News
June 25, 2015NEW Sense-Able Science Autism Program @ miSci
Sense-Able Science Offered Last Sunday of the Month, Starting June 28
NEW Sensory Friendly Science Center Experience for those with Autism
and Other Sensory Needs
The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, Schenectady ARC, and miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, are partnering to offer Sense-Able Science, a sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the last Sunday of each month beginning Sunday, June 28.
Sense-Able Science at miSci is a sensory friendly experience for families to visit the region’s science center with a loved one with autism on Sunday, June 28 and on the last Sunday of each month. The museum will open early at 10:00 a.m.; visitors are welcome to stay longer after the museum officially opens at 12:00 p.m.
“As the region’s science center, we want to be accessible to everyone,” said miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth. “Partnering with the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region and Schenectady ARC for Sense-Able Science allows us to offer a high-quality experience at the science center tailored specifically for those with autism and other sensory needs.”
“The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region is grateful to have the opportunity to bring a sensory accessible program to our community. miSci is a beloved family destination that will now support the special needs of families who have a child with autism and allow them to experience this wonderful venue,” said Janine Kruiswijk, Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region.
“Opening new doors and new experiences for families is one of the best services we can provide to the community. Sense-Able Science is a wonderful opportunity to engage individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and capture their incredible desire to explore the sciences,” said Kirk M. Lewis, Executive Director of Schenectady ARC.
Staff at miSci have received training by the Autism Society, which will enable them to be prepared for this special group of visitors. Visual support will be available at the museum to help participants enjoy the exhibits, and social narratives are available on the miSci website to help families be prepared for their miSci experience. A separate space with bean bags and quiet activities will be available for anyone needing a sensory break. Ear plugs will also be available to help with noise stimulation.
Additional support for Sense-Able Science is provided by Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation and Stewart’s Shops.
miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Admission to Sense-Able Science at miSci is $6.50 for children (3 – 12), $8 for seniors (65+), and $9.50 for adults. Tickets for Sense-Able Science can be reserved through the Autism Society by calling (518) 355-2191; tickets can also be purchased at miSci on Sense-Able Science days. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.miSci.org.
Founded in 1934, miSci is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages and serves school children from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts, and southern Vermont. miSci houses the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region, a state-of the-art STEM teaching tool which offers simulated space missions to school classes, community groups, work teams, scout troops, birthday celebrations, camp-ins, private parties and team building events. In 2012, miSci entered into a partnership program with the San Francisco-based Exploratorium’s ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-Based Teaching) program, miSci receives a different group of hands-on, exploratory-rich exhibits each year for five years, as well as access to the Exploratorium resources to advance each partner’s work in specific areas such as education, inquiry, science engagement, and exhibit development. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci houses the only GOTO Star Projector in the northeast and is an official NASA Space Place. miSci’s Archives include an extensive GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 15,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. miSci’s Archives houses an 1878 Edison tinfoil, the second oldest documented Edison tinfoil recording, the oldest playable American voice. miSci offers Science Zone, with weekly hands-on activities and challenges; Saturday Science Zone activities are sponsored by National Grid. For more information, visit www.misci.org.
