SCSM Accessibility Morning

Location: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

Accessibility Morning provides free access for families of children, teenagers, young adults and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience at the museum.

Guests who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other disabilities are welcome to participate in the optional activities listed below, or explore museum exhibition galleries at their own pace.

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, sponsored by Colonial Life, is available during the morning provided by certified interpreters through the SC School for the Deaf and Blind. Activities featuring ASL interpretation are noted (ASL) below.

General Admission to Accessibility Morning is FREE for participants.

Accessibility Morning Schedule:

• 9 – 11 a.m. | Open exploration of museum exhibitions.
• 9 – 11 a.m. | American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter available.
• 9 – 11 a.m. | Sensory Room Available - A special room offering a therapeutic space with various items to help guests find their calm and focus so they can better experience the museum.
• 9 – 10 a.m. | Community Resource Partners - Get to know our program partners, learn more about their work, and see how they can be a resource for you and your family.
• 9 - 10 a.m. | Explore the blockbuster exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. Capacity will be lowered during this hour to provide guests with a less crowded environment. Additional ticket purchase required. Tickets are available at the Admission Desk on a first come, first served basis.
• 9:45 a.m. | Select Sensory Show – Planetarium* (ASL)
• 10:30 a.m. | Character Meet-and-Greet with The Very Hungry Caterpillar (ASL)

*Sensory Friendly Shows will alternate monthly between planetarium and 4D theater experiences. Entrance is available through check-in at the Admission Desk and is first come, first served. Shows feature lowered volume, however, 4D experiences still include enhanced effects, including scents, bursts of air, rumbling seats, leg ticklers, bubbles and snow, lighting effects, and squirts of water. Accessibility Morning shows are free, but space is limited. Entrance is available through check-in at the Admission Desk and is first come, first served.

General Admission to Accessibility Morning is FREE for participants.

Online Pre-Registration is encouraged.

Register Here

Questions? Connect With Us

Laura Ybarra-Kane
Manager of Education and Interpretation

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Full List of Resources Available During Accessibility Morning

Here are some things the museum has on-hand that may help you throughout your visit. Please let our educators know if you need assistance.

• Sensory Calming Room
• Noise canceling headphones
• Sensory bags*
• Wheelchairs
• ASL Interpreter on-site
• Fidget tools
• Weighted lap pads
• Wobble Cushions
• Assistive Listening Devices in the planetarium and 4D theaters. Please see theater attendants.
• Open captioning in the planetarium at the 9:45am show
• Closed captioning devices in the 4D theater. Please see theater attendant.
• Descriptive audio in the 4D theater. Please see theater attendant.
• Portable magnifiers

*Sensory bags are available for rent and include a variety of fidget tools and noise canceling headphones. Please let us know if you’d like to use one during your visit today!