Text logo saying Especially for Me

Schedule of free events for visitors with disabilities announced

ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the second half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.

The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend. 

All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe. 

June to December 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule

Inclusive Afternoons, Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.

  • June 2, September 15, October 6, November 17, December 1

Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including gluten-free option, is provided.

  • Summer Fun Inclusive Evenings – June 27, July 18, August 15
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – October 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – December 12
  • Sensory-Friendly Halloween – October 30 (this event is a Friday, not a Saturday)
  • Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+ – September 19

Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability. 

Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events. 

Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum. 

 

Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.