Especially for Me

Text logo saying Especially for Me

The Especially for Me event series offers dedicated hours and free admission for families with disabilities. During these events, we offer accommodations that increase access to exhibits and provide an opportunity for families to network with one another in an understanding, ADA-compliant environment.  

While the event titles indicate the focus for certain program accommodations, any family that would benefit from a sensory friendly visit is welcome at any time. A medical diagnosis is not required.

Autism Welcoming logo graphic

Our 2025 Especially for Me events include: 

  • Autism-Friendly Evening
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind
  • Inclusive Afternoon
  • Inclusive Evening
  • Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+

All events are free, but require pre-registration online through the links below. 

You can prepare for your visit by reviewing our Discovery Museum Social Story, linked below in eight languages or available at our Admissions Desk. You might also visit the Exhibits section of our website, review our Accessibility page. We now offer a designated "Take a Break" space during these events. 

Our Discovery Treehouse is stroller and wheelchair accessible and is open while the Museum is open, however please note that Discovery Woods closes at sunset. 

Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods are wheelchair accessible, developed based on Universal Design principles. We welcome any feedback on our accessibility features as well as any additional accommodation that would make your visit more enjoyable.

Pre-Visit Resources

Autism-Friendly Evening

Join us during this special free evening for visitors on the autism spectrum and their families or caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally-designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any person who can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.

The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. Discovery Woods is closed for evening events in winter. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. 

Advance registration is required.

Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind

Join us for this special free evening for children and adults who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, DeafBlind, KODA, or learning ASL and their caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities.

The Museum will be closed to the general public for this event. ASL Interpreters will be available. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. 

Advance registration is required.

Inclusive Afternoon

Come play and explore in the accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special, free afternoon for visitors who would benefit from a more sensory friendly atmosphere and a limited capacity experience. This event is inclusive: the Museum is open to the public, but we do not schedule any group visits to avoid crowding. Advance registration is required.

Inclusive Evening

Join us for this special free evening for children and adults with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, including those that are deaf, blind, or autistic. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any family that can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.

The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event.  Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Discovery Woods is closed for evening events in winter.

ASL interpretation may be available upon request; please indicate on the registration form if you would like interpretation at the event. Advance registration is required.

Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+

Join us during this special free evening for visitors 18 years and older who have a disability, including having autism or Downs Syndrome, and their families or caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any person 18years old and older who can benefit from a limited capacity visit are welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.

The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Discovery Woods is closed for evening events in winter.

Advance registration is required.

Especially for Me is generously funded by
DCU for Kids logo
Ameriprise Financial logo
Mass Cultural Council logo
We partner with the following organizations to make EFM events accessible
logo of Autism Alliance of MetroWest
Boston Children's Hospital logo
a logo for the Mass Cultural Council's UP initiative
Perkins School for the Blind logo
Additional funding is provided by

Corning Community Impact & Investment

Orville W. Forté Charitable Foundation

Nypro, Inc.