As a Museum educator, I see it every single day. Every person is unique and has their own interests and skills, their own ideas and needs. At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, we are committed to education, first and foremost, and we want everyone to enjoy HMNS as much as possible. I also know firsthand that a trip to the Museum isn’t easy for everyone.
Over the years, members of my family have struggled with disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Asperger Syndrome, among others. Learning more about what’s going on and helping however I could eventually led me to The Westview School.
Before I joined the HMNS team as a volunteer in 2007, I was a volunteer at summer camps at Westview, starting the summer after I finished sixth grade in 2004. Westview is a remarkable place; the school caters to high-functioning children with autism, and even during its summer vacation, the school’s teachers put on three-week-long camps each month. My routine every summer through 2010 was to arrive at Westview at 8:15 a.m. and work with the kiddos until they left at noon.
I spent time with kids from ages 3-8 over the years as we played tag on the playground, worked on social skills like making eye contact or saying please, and sang along to the Wheels on the Bus at the end of the day. It was at Westview that I learned firsthand that any program or activity needs to be customized to the individual. Each child has their own interests and skills, their own ideas and needs.
My time at Westview led to writing a college essay about autism, pursuing a degree in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology in college and, eventually, to a career in education at HMNS. In April, it led Julia, Matti and myself to begin our Accessibility initiative at HMNS. And that leads us to the Sensory Friendly Event.
We recognize that HMNS can be an overwhelming place for anyone, child or adult, with sensory needs. But as educators, we want to ensure that everyone has access to our world-class exhibit halls and venues. So for the first time ever, on Sept. 17, the Museum will make modifications to lights, sounds, and more to welcome all individuals and families at the Sensory Friendly Event!
We know that the darkness in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals can be intimidating for some, so the lights in the exhibit will be turned up a bit. We know that the frenzy of moving colored lights in the Cullen Grand Entry Hall can be a trigger, so the hall will be lit with still, white light. We know that the movies in the Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre can be loud and disorienting, so all films during the event will be in 2D with lowered volume and house lights on. Most importantly, we know that HMNS can be busy and noisy from crowd volume alone, so we are opening one hour early at 8 a.m. to encourage Sensory Friendly Event participants to arrive early and enjoy having the Museum to themselves!
Full details can be found online at www.hmns.org/accessibility or on the event’s Facebook page. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at accessprogramming@hmns.org and we would be happy to address any and all of them!
This event is for you and is open to all. We hope to see you there!
