COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Museum will host an Accessibility Morning Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m., offering individuals, families and groups a more disability-friendly museum experience.

The program features a quieter, sensory-friendly environment, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and other accessibility resources. Guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities can participate in optional activities or explore the museum’s exhibition galleries at their own pace.

With Halloween approaching, guests are welcome to dress in costumes and participate in early trick-or-treating. Community partner tables will offer allergy-friendly, nut-free treats.

General admission to Accessibility Morning is free.

Activities and schedule

  • 9–11 a.m.: Open exploration of museum exhibitions.

  • 9–11 a.m.: ASL interpreter available.

  • 9–11 a.m.: Sensory room open, providing a quiet space with tools for guests who need a break.

  • 9–10 a.m.: Community resource partners available to share information about their services and programs.

  • 9:45 a.m.: Sensory-friendly 4D theater showing of BUGS 4D, with ASL interpretation.

  • 10:30 a.m.: Character meet-and-greet with Little Critter, with ASL interpretation.

Sensory-friendly shows alternate monthly between planetarium and 4D theater experiences. Shows feature reduced volume, but 4D experiences may still include scents, bursts of air, rumbling seats, leg ticklers, bubbles, snow, lighting effects and squirts of water.

The shows are free, but space is limited.

Accessibility resources

The museum will provide a variety of resources to help guests enjoy their visit, including:

  • A sensory calming room

  • Noise-canceling headphones

  • Sensory bags with fidget tools and headphones

  • Wheelchairs

  • Fidget tools, weighted lap pads and wobble cushions

  • An on-site ASL interpreter

  • Assistive listening devices in the planetarium and 4D theaters

  • Open captioning at the 9:45 a.m. planetarium show

  • Closed-captioning devices and descriptive audio in the 4D theater

  • Portable magnifiers

Sensory bags are available for rent. Guests can ask museum educators for assistance with accessibility resources.

For more information, visit scmuseum.org .

 

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