a boy wearing noise-reducing headphones explores an air exhibit

Accessibility

Welcome!

We welcome visitors of all ability and mobility levels and will work with you or your group to accommodate any special needs. Please email accessibility [at] discoveryacton.org (accessibility[at]discoveryacton[dot]org) or call 978-264-4200 ext. 116 with any questions.

Autism Welcoming logo graphic

Campus accessibility

  • Discovery Museum building and exhibits and our Discovery Woods nature playscape and Treehouse were built based on Universal Design standards to be useable and appealing to the widest range of people, and are wheelchair accessible. Service dogs are welcome.
  • The museum building has three floors; each is accessible by elevator. There are two elevators in the building and an accessible entrance.  
  • Discovery Woods has an accessible pathway that winds through the space, and the Treehouse is accessed on-grade from the driveway.
  • ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation services can be requested with at least two weeks’ notice, based on availability.  Please email accessibility [at] discoveryacton.org (accessibility[at]discoveryacton[dot]org).
  • Visitors are welcome to bring service animals  in the Museum building and in Discovery Woods. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are dogs trained to do work or perform specific tasks for a guest with a disability. 

Access events: Especially for Me

Our Especially for Me events offer free admission times for families and groups that would benefit from a limited capacity, sensory friendly visit. 

Available resources

  • Our Discovery Museum Social Story and Sensory Map, available in eight languages, is linked above and is also available at our Admissions Desk. You might also visit the Exhibits section of our website to familiarize yourself with our galleries. 
  • Noise-reducing headphones are available to visitors who may be sensitive to sound or need a break from stimulation. Sunglasses are available to visitors who may be sensitive to light. A portable step stool is available to borrow for easier access to exhibits.  These items are available in the cubby spaces behind the Admissions Desk. 
  • Handicap parking spots are available near the rear of the building.
  • Restrooms: there is an accessible family restroom on the first floor, accessible restrooms on the first and second floors, and children-sized toilet seats in the first and second floor restrooms in an accessible stall 
  • An adult-sized wheelchair (can be self-propelled) and adult-sized transport chair (cannot be self-propelled, must be pushed by an adult) are available to borrow. Please ask at the Admissions Desk.

Quieter times to visit 

  • Quieter times at the Museum will vary. The quietest times to visit are usually on weekday afternoons during the school year. The busiest times are usually on weekends, and during the week on holidays, school vacation weeks, and throughout the summer.  Weather may also affect visitation. 
  • Weekdays during the school year after 12:00 pm  
  • September is usually a less busy, quieter time of year to visit.

Quieter areas

The Museum can sometimes be crowded and noisy. During our Especially For Me events, there is a designated Take-A-Break Space on the second floor in the back of the Building Brain Together exhibit. During regular Museum hours, if you and your child need a quieter spot to take a break from stimulation, please ask a staff member to help you find a good place. Some options include: 

  • The back of the Building Brain Together exhibit (2nd floor) 
  • Backyard at Night (2nd floor) 
  • The Treehouse (outdoors) 

Looking for a quiet spot? A staff member will be happy to point you in the right direction or find a good spot for you and your child.