Adventure Science Center Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion on International Science Center & Science Museum Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In the largest joint project ever launched by the world's science centers and museums, Adventure Science Center will join more than 300 institutions and hundreds of thousands of people on every inhabited continent to celebrate International Science Center & Science Museum Day (ISCSMD) on Saturday, November 10.

Seventy years ago, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes a statement guaranteeing everyone has the right to "share in scientific advancement and its benefits." ISCSMD will celebrate the anniversary of the declaration with the theme "Science, a Human Right."

"At Adventure Science Center, we embody this theme every day because science is for everyone. We're working hard to eliminate barriers to access in order to create a more inclusive environment for all our guests, and our work has only just begun," says Steve Hinkley, Adventure Science Center President & CEO.

In September 2017, the organization formed a cross-departmental diversity and inclusion team that embarked on a multi-faceted evaluation of its offerings in the realms of physical, financial and cultural obstacles for guests. By assessing their current offerings, the team was able to identify gaps, propose solutions and utilize its membership with the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) to reach out to other museums and institutions for guidance on tackling issues at a large scale.

In January 2018, members of the diversity and inclusion team were accepted into the fifth cohort of ASTC's Cultural Competency Learning Institute (CCLI). The program encourages institutions to use a process and set of resources that help build capacity from the inside out around diversity, inclusion and culture.

"Our acceptance into CCLI was a crucial step in navigating and strategically understanding our accessibility journey," Hinkley says. "It opens the door to important conversations that will ultimately help shape the future of our institution for decades to come."

Although the year-long program is coming to a close, Adventure Science Center will utilize the resources and knowledge acquired to continue building its capacity to provide a more inclusive, diverse experience for all guests regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or any other legally protected classification.

In late October, Adventure Science Center was accepted into Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children's Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits.

The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting Adventure Science Center for a minimal admission fee of $3 per person, for up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

"Change takes time, but it's worth every minute. We're here listening to your feedback, seeking opportunities for growth, and taking steps towards making necessary changes to support our efforts in diversity and inclusion practices," says Hinkley.

Highlights of other initiatives:

• Sensory accessibility
• Working with both TRIAD and a student intern from Belmont University, Adventure Science Center has launched a collection of resources for people who have developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other sensory concerns. Resources include sensory kits, wayfinding maps and trip planning resources. Additionally, the Sudekum Planetarium now offers monthly sensory-friendly planetarium shows that feature quieter audio, a brighter theater and smaller crowds so guests can feel comfortable moving around if needed during the presentation.
  
  
• Hearing accessibility
• Through Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, three of the organization's science educators are actively learning to communicate with American Sign Language to enable meaningful connections for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. The diversity and inclusion team is actively recruiting other staff members to participate to expand the organization's capabilities in this realm.
• Financial accessibility
  
  
• In addition to joining the Museums for All program, Adventure Science Center has a few different options for guests with financial barriers, including a subsidized membership level for those participating in state-assistance programs; an Adventure Access partnership program with local nonprofits to provide free general admission tickets to the families they serve; and a Twilight Special where guests who purchase admission onsite two hours prior to close can use their receipt for free admission the next day.

See all of Adventure Science Center's available accessibility resources and initiatives at AdventureSci.org/Accessibility.

About Adventure Science Center
For more than 70 years, Adventure Science Center has been bringing science to life for students, teachers and families in Middle Tennessee and across the U.S. The organization offers engaging learning experiences and science fun through hands-on, interactive exhibits; innovative programs; and fulldome productions in state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium. Adventure Science Center strives to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. in Nashville.

SOURCE Adventure Science Center

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