Museums and Special Needs Kids
Ten Questions for Planning a Day at the Museum
Lots of families head inside cool museums in the hot summer for learning and family fun. What do these outings offer a child with special needs?
Just the word museum brings lots of images to mind. Some museums are very quiet. The displays are often of the Look – Don’t Touch variety. Others are more hands on. These museums want people to have an experience-based visit. Here are ten questions to ask before planning a trip to a museum with a child with special needs.
- Is it accessible? In this day and age it seems that most public facilities will be accessible. However, that my truly depend on whether or not that institution receives government funding. A visit to a museum that has only token measures of accommodation will be more of a frustration than an educational challenge.
- What target interest level? Does the museum offer something of interest to the child with a disability? Parents must consider the child’s personal interests as well as the difficulty of the museum. Is it something that the child with special needs will understand and enjoy?
- Is this a hands-on facility? Many kids with special needs learn best if they can actively explore an exhibit. Parents will want to ask what things are hands-on. Are there exploration rooms or centers? Are they accessible? For example, if there is a wonderful cave display, is it one that can accommodate the child’s wheelchair?
- How much does it cost? Some museums have special rates on certain days. In fact, some are actually free on specific days and times that may be slower. These times can be money-savers as well as offer a museum experience that is more enjoyable without the crowds.
- Are there additional attractions in the museum? Be sure to check if there are additional activities in the museum that cost money. For example, the wonderful surround movie may be just perfect for the tween in a wheelchair, but Mom and Dad need to know if it costs an extra six dollars at the museum.
- What time of day is best? Most things can be learned from brochures and the museum website. However, this question may warrant a call to the museum or a conversation with other parents who have been there. Parents want to find out the time that is least crowded that meshes with the special needs of the child. If the child is an early riser why not head to the museum first thing? If afternoon is a quiet time in the museum, but the child needs a rest time then, it is just not the best choice.
- What about snacks and meals? Is food sold in the museum? What kind? What is the price range? Are families allowed to bring snacks and meals into the facility?
- What type of seating is available? Everyone needs a break (including Mom and Dad). Ask if there is ample seating throughout the museum. Is it limited to snack bar areas where people must be eating to sit?
- Are there recommendations from others? Try to talk to other parents with special needs children about the museum before going. What are their suggestions and cautions?
- Have parents reviewed the website? Remember that websites offer a wealth of information. It is always wise to browse before a visit.
The copyright of the article Museums and Special Needs Kids in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Museums and Special Needs Kids must be granted by the author in writing.
