July 30, 2024
During Disability Pride Month, the Science Museum of Virginia received another recognition for its work to increase accessibility and inclusiveness.
On July 27, hundreds of community members attended the Minds of All Kinds event to celebrate the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) presenting the Science Museum with their Autism-Friendly Community designation. This recognition comes on the heels of the Science Museum earning Richmond Region Tourism’s VisitAble Advocate Certification earlier this summer.
“The Science Museum is wholly invested in building strong science advocates – in both adults and children – from all walks of life,” said Chief Wonder Officer Rich Conti. “We recognize we must proactively seek ways to remove barriers preventing people from changing their perspective on the world through quality STEM experiences that create lasting memories. These new designations showcase our continued commitment to accessible and inclusive offerings.”
As part of the Science Museum’s Science Within Reach initiative, the organization creates partnerships with community organizations and field experts to inform both internal and external practices.
To achieve the Autism-Friendly Community designation, the Science Museum worked with the ASCV to provide training to staff so they can better understand and accommodate the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition, the ASCV assisted with enhancements to the Science Museum’s Sensory Guide, social narrative, quiet zone and sensory bags. ASCV members are invited to attend the Science Museum’s free, sensory-friendly Minds of All Kinds events that offer access to exhibitions and activities with accommodations to light and sound.
“When I first moved to Richmond, one of my favorite attractions was the Science Museum of Virginia,” said ASCV Self Advocate Ian Young. “Minds of All Kinds is a game changer. I commend the Science Museum for providing an evening of inclusivity not only to the ASCV, but to other organizations and community members as well. I love seeing the smiling faces of the attendees and knowing they feel safe and secure. You couldn’t ask for a better Autism-Friendly Community!”
In May, the Science Museum joined the ranks of attractions across Central Virginia that have worked through Richmond Region Tourism’s program to prioritize disability awareness. Obtaining the VisitAble Advocate Certification involved comprehensive training that prepared staff to welcome and accommodate guests, coworkers and stakeholders with a disability. The enhanced skills help create more positive experiences across all levels of Science Museum operations.
Hailed by VisitAble, LLC, CEO and Founder Joe Jamison, CPACC, as a “significant step in your disability inclusion journey,” the Science Museum recognizes that these recent accolades are not the end of the organization's diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion process. Science Museum staff will complete updated VisitAble training each year to maintain the certification, will continue to partner with the ASCV to update spaces, materials and resources as needed, and will pursue other avenues for growth and development in the future as they become available.
To learn more about the Science Museum’s accessibility efforts and offerings, please visit smv.org/visit/accessibility.