Accessibility & Inclusion: 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 Museum exhibits and provide an opportunity for families to network with one another in an understanding environment.  

The event titles indicate the types of accommodations provided, but any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome. A medical diagnosis is not required.

graphic that says, "Autism Welcoming" with four interconnected puzzle pieces above

Our Especially for Me events include: 

  • All-Access Evenings
  • Autism-Friendly Evenings
  • Evenings for Families with D/HH and KODA Children
  • Mornings for Families with D/HH and KODA Infants and Toddlers
  • Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
  • Evenings for Families with a Visual Impairment

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

You can prepare for your visit by reviewing our Discovery Museum Story Guide, linked below in six languages or available at our Admissions Desk. You might also visit the Exhibits section of our website, review our Tips for Visiting, and download our Access for All flyer. You can borrow noise-reducing headphones and a portable step stool at the Admissions desk for easier access to exhibits. 

Please note that Discovery Woods is open year-round, but closes at dusk during the winter months and therefore will not be open for some evening events. 

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 accommodations that would make your visit more enjoyable.

Pre-Visit Resource

All-Access Evenings

Come join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this free evening event especially for families with children with disabilities. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together while we are closed to the general public. Any family who can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.

Autism-Friendly Evenings

Come join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.

Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.

These Especially for Me events are offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.

Sensory-Friendly Afternoons

Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum, Discovery Woods, and our giant treehouse! Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are all about inclusion. During these events, the Museum is open to the general public, but group visits and birthday parties are not scheduled, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits. Advance registration is required.

Evenings for Families with a Visual Impairment

Join us for an evening at the Museum especially for families experiencing a visual impairment. Play, explore, experiment, and imagine in the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods. Meet and play with similar families while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. 

Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.

Mornings for Families with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, & KODA Infants and Toddlers

Come for a special morning at the Museum with Early Intervention groups and other D/HH families while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. Playing, exploring, experimenting, and imagining in the museum promotes family conversations and can support early language development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and toddlers. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Advance registration is required.

These Especially for Me events are offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.

Evenings for Families with D/HH and KODA Children

Come play and explore in our ADA-compliant and universally designed museum during this special, free afternoon dedicated to families with d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and KODA children. The Museum will be closed to the general public and headcount will be limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.

Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.

These Especially for Me events are offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.

Especially for Me is generously funded by
Alexion Charitable Foundation logo
with additional support from
Corning Foundation logo
logo for Greater Lowell Community Foundation
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
logo for Access Recreation Boston
Additional funding is provided by

Orville W. Forté Charitable Foundation

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Nypro, Inc.