It’s not easy being a parent. Shocker, right? However, when you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s even more challenging. For instance, it’s often difficult finding activities, in your area, that feel welcoming for individuals with special needs. Although I can’t mitigate all of your daily challenges, today’s topic will help in one area.
Based on someone’s location, assistance from the government, neighborhood programs, and the like will differ. When you live someplace where accessibility programs receive adequate funding, it’s a luxury.
Why?
When it involves special needs accessibility, the funding can be so insufficient, assistance is unavailable for parents. Compared to other cities, New York City is ahead of the curve.
With this in mind, pay a visit to the following locations.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Address – 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
- Admission + Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this museum?
Recommended for ages 6 months to 10-years-old, this museum offers interactive exhibits. Specifically, the museum includes a Sensory Room. Inside, children are safe to engage with one another, and they can freely explore their senses.
Sensory Room Availability: Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, the Sensory Room is available during the following hours: 2:00-2:30PM, 2:45-3:15PM, 3:30-4:00PM, and 4:15-4:45PM. With an advisory committee of professionals serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, they created this room with accessibility in mind.
Due to space limitations, the room is available for up to 10 children and their caregivers, so please check before you visit.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Address – 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Admission + Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this museum?
Not only is this one of New York’s most popular museums, but it offers the following program: Discoveries. For children on the autism spectrum, and children as well as adults with other learning disabilities, this is a welcoming workshop.
Inside the multisensory workshops, the family can feel at ease. Although the programs are free, please make contact for reservations here: 212-650-2010 or email access@metmuseum.org
MoMA
- Address – 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Admission + Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this museum?
Opened to the public in 1929, this is one of the most influential museums for modern art. Through Create Ability, MoMA welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each month, there’s a different theme in mind.
Although free, space is limited and preregistration is required. Please call Access Programs at (212) 408-6447 or email accessprograms@moma.org.
Queens Museum
- Address – New York City Building, Corona, NY 11368
- Admission + Hours – Visit link for detailed description
Why this museum?
Piloted in 1983, the program ArtAccess now caters to children as well as adults with physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive abilities.
With guided tours, autism initiatives, and workshops, ArtAccess is a welcoming environment for families. For more information about ArtAccess programs, please contact artaccess@queensmuseum.org or 718.592.9700 ext.: 136.
This blog entry will not make your entire life easier, but it will provide four options to help with fun activities.
At Occupational Therapy Concept, You’re Family. For a Free consultation, give me a call at (718) 285-0884 for further evaluation and customized help for your family.
