Lightning Session: Accessibility in Exhibits and Programs

Saturday, September 6, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM US PT

Location: 2003

Creating Inclusive Museum Experiences: A Sensory Friendly Toolkit
Learn how to create inclusive museum experiences for families with exceptionalities or neurodivergence. This session explores strategies for sensory adjustments, exhibit modifications, and community partnerships, using the Children's Museum of Sonoma County's Sensory Friendly Afternoon Toolkit. Discover actionable steps to foster accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement for all in your museum.
Presenters
Priscilla Lowell – Children's Museum of Sonoma County
Solina Larum – Children's Museum of Sonoma County

Developing Accessible Science Resources for Families of Young People With Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) With Young People With SEND
The History of Science Museum in Oxford teamed up with a local special school and scientists from RAL Space to create a set of resources for families of children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Find out more about the practicalities of the project and our key learnings.
Presenters
Helen Pooley – Gardens, Libraries and Museums, University of Oxford
Vicky Hall – Science and Technology Facilities Council

Exploring Sensory Learning Methods by Co-Creating a Light-Up Abacus With Researchers and Neurodivergent Students
We, Science Communicators, conducted classes at a local school for neurodivergent children using a light-up abacus developed by researchers. This session will explore the journey and future of co-creating to find new sensory methods of learning, seeking more inclusive and accessible methods of science communication.
Presenters
Malavika Gururaj – Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)

Hearing Loss Storytelling: Partnering With Community Members To Create Inclusive Exhibit Media
Staff members from the Museum of Science, Boston will discuss their process for creating an exhibit that features individuals with hearing loss. Learn tips for working collaboratively with community members in an exhibit media project—how to hold brainstorms, what makes a recording session go smoothly, and how AI can help!
Presenters
Benjamin Chong – Museum of Science, Boston
Jessica G – Museum of Science, Boston

Sari Custer

Chief of Science and Curiosity
Arizona Science Center, United States
BC

Benjamin Chong

Exhibit Designer
Museum of Science, Boston, United States
JG

Jessica G

Exhibit Content Developer
Museum of Science, Boston, United States
MG

Malavika Gururaj

Science Communicator
Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, United States
VH

Vicky Hall

Science and Technology Facilities Council, United Kindgom
SL

Solina L. Larum

Director of Operations
Children's Museum of Sonoma County, United States
PL

Priscilla L. Lowell

Programs Manager
Children's Museum of Sonoma County, United States
HP

Helen Pooley

Learning and Engagement Manager
Gardens, Libraries and Museums-University of Oxford, United Kingdom