Port Discovery has been aware of and responsive to the needs of its visitors with special needs since opening in 1998. The original design of the Museum incorporates universal design principles, ensuring that children at different developmental levels can access each area. As the Museum develops new programs and exhibits, it remains committed to its role as a unique resource for the special needs community.

The Museum's exhibits and learning environments provide unique opportunities for children with special needs and their caregivers. All to often families of children with special needs hesitate to bring their children into community settings such as museums, or even malls, grocery stores and parks. They know their children may become overwhelmed by all the noise and activity of they fear that their children may not be able to take advantage of everything that is offered because they may be less mobile or unable to communicate their needs. Port Discovery's exhibits support children (and their caregivers) as they experiment with environments that replicate real life settings. This hands-on learning prepares them for future experiences such as going to school, eating at a restaurant or visiting other educational and cultural institutions.

Award-Winning Serial Programs for Children with Special Needs
Port Discovery Children's Museum is the proud recipient of the 2009 MetLife Foundation and Association of Children's Museums Promising Practice Award. The MetLife Foundation and Association of Children's Museums Promising Practice Award was established in 1999 and provides recognition and inspiration for children's museums to develop programs that are inclusive, meet community needs, encourage community partnerships and promote lifelong learning. Port Discovery received the award for its community partnership with PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs, an affiliate of Kennedy Krieger Institute. This unique partnership provides high quality, experiential programming for families from underserved communities that have children with special needs who often hesitate to visit community settings such as museums. By providing therapeutic services at Port Discovery, families of children with special needs enjoy the Museum and translate their experiences to other community venues. Port Discovery's partnership with PACT combines the best of what a children's museum and a social service organization have to offer.

"We've seen tremendous progress in the children and families who participated in these groups. This has opened up a whole new world for our families by discovering a great resource in Port Discovery. This partnership reinforced the need for children's museums throughout the country to implement innovative practices in serving children of all abilities and their families." - Audrey Leviton, Executive Director of PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs

Designated Days for Children with Special Needs
Port Discovery Children's Museum dedicates specific days for children with special needs. This gives children with special needs an opportunity to explore the museum in a modified environment. Lights and exhibit sounds are lowered to keep everyone at ease. Group bookings are limited to special needs groups and volitional visitors are asked to engage in quieter and calmer play.

The needs of parents, educators and caretakers are addressed by providing a venue for parents and educators to connect with community organizations and resources while raising their comfort level at the Museum. Discovery Days currently take place four days a year with one day dedicated to children with Autism. Each day hosts 400 children and caregivers.
The following days have been assigned for children with special needs:
Days for Children with Special Needs