Science Within Reach

Science Within Reach: A Core Museum Value that Guides Several Programs Developed To Reduce Barriers

One of the most important programming initiatives that the Museum has undertaken in the last decade is its relationship with audiences that have historically not been afforded the ability to enjoy Museum programming due to barriers like income, disability or language. Science Within Reach is designed to make the Museum experience enjoyable and awe-inspiring to all guests. This initiative leverages expertise and communication networks of high-impact community partners to better reach and meet the needs of those traditionally underserved by museums in our community. These partners play a role in identifying barriers to participation, best practices in eliminating these barriers, and strategies for reaching these audiences and sustaining their engagement. They advise on Museum professional development, exhibit and program design, and communications strategies for reaching and serving their clients.

Offerings Encompassed in Science Within Reach

Low Income
- Scholarship funds for Title 1 school field trips
- Museums for All reduced admission rates
- Museums for All reduced membership rates
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Minds of All Kinds
- Sensory Guide
- Social Narrative
- Quiet areas
- Sensory backpacks
Seniors
- 10% discount on admission
- Science for the Young at Heart program series
Mobility
- Two electric scooters
- Electric wheelchair
- Manual wheelchair
- Elevators in four locations
- Family restrooms in five locations
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Listen Tech RF assistive listening technology available in major theaters and event spaces in the Museum
- Open captioning on almost all planetarium shows and giant screen films
- Scripts for planetarium shows and giant screen films
- ASL interpreter available with advance notice
Blind or Low Vision
- Live and recorded audio description with Virginia Voice
- QR codes on select exhibits at Minds of All Kinds events
Translation services
- Several of the Museum’s marketing materials have been translated into Spanish and the Museum has contracted with a web developer to offer translation services on its new website.
- Google Translate is available at Guest Services

Examples of Impact from Science Within Reach Programs

Title I School Scholarships

The Science Museum of Virginia Foundation actively raises scholarship funds to underwrite field trips and Museum programs and experiences for children whose families and schools are unable to provide the hands-on, experiential learning. With this scholarship support, we are able to underwrite field trips for students from schools that meet the 51% Free and Reduced Price Meal (FARM) threshold each year and the community groups that support them.

Since February 2018, the Museum has served 23,195 children through 571 grant-funded field trips.

Museums for All

As a proud member of the Museums for All national initiative, the Museum offers reduced daily admission rates for low-income families. The Museum includes not only general admission, but also Dome and touring exhibition admission in this reduced-price program. To further increase access for families with limited resources, the Museum created a Museums for All membership. For $20, two adults and all children under 18 in the household receive a year of free Museum admission.

Since February 2018, 7,158 guests have visited the Museum under the Museums for All program.
Since creating the Museums for All membership in November 2017, the Museum has welcomed 1,385 member households in this program (which includes 3,949 children). As of early May 2021, the Museum has 634 active Museums for All member households (which includes 1,885 children).

Also under this program, the Museum worked to create special Museums for All member swap weekends with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in order to expand access for its members to other cultural institutions in Richmond.

Minds of All Kinds

Minds of All Kinds is a free sensory friendly evening at the Museum developed for guests with disABILITIES. Guests can enjoy a less crowded environment as they get hands-on with activities that will pique curiosity and spark excitement.

From April 2018 – February 2020, the Museum hosted eight Minds of All Kinds events that welcomed 2,008 guests. The program was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the Museum is looking forward to bringing it back as soon as safely possible.

Science for the Young at Heart

This free program was geared for seniors with limited financial resources. The Museum worked directly with area facilities to book small groups to join the Museum for a STEM-focused lecture; free lunch; and a Museum activity, such as a Dome show, demonstration or exhibit tour.

Since August 2018 – February 2020, the Museum hosted 14 events that welcomed 398 guests. The program was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the Museum is looking forward to bringing it back as soon as safely possible.