Fairfield Museum and History Center offering program for families with special needs children

 

This is not in New Haven but it seems like it is worth the trip and is shared here for families who are looking for activities for their children.

In a release.  the Fairfield Museum and History Center said that "As part of a growing movement in museums nationwide," it is offering a new program,  "Discovering Our Way," for "families with special needs children, featuring interactive gallery tours in a small group setting." 
 
The program "is designed for families with both mainstream and special needs children ages 7 – 13 to enjoy the museum in a safe, low-stress environment," the release said. "The program will include an interactive tour in the American Revolution section of the Creating Community: Celebrating 375 Years of Our Past exhibition, where participants will explore the secret and fascinating world of spies, learn about their coded messages and help to crack a code."
 

The release noted that planning for "Discovering Our Way" started more than a year ago with a brainstorming session with the Fairfield Special Education PTA (SEPTA), discussions with parents of special needs children and educators in the field."  

 

“The goal of the program was to meet the special challenges faced by these families, while addressing the Fairfield Museum’s mission which is to inspire students of all ages and backgrounds with Museum experiences that are personal and meaningful,”  Christine Jewell, the museum’s Director of Education, said in the release.

Jewell "has more than 10 years of experience developing and implementing museum education programs in the arts, history and culture for adults, families and children," and will lead the tours with Bonita Lee, a Connecticut-certified special education teacher, the release said..

 

“I am so excited to be involved in this program that enriches special needs children by broadening their exposure to a variety of subjects in a fun and engaging way,” Bonita Lee, a specialist in private practice who teaches children and adults with a broad range of disabilities, said in the release.

 

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"Discovering Our Way" offers a "quieter, less crowded experience" for children and their families, allowing them "to enjoy the exhibition at their own pace," the release said..
 
“By essentially having the exhibition to ourselves, we don’t have to worry and everyone can get something out of it, and that’s priceless,” Melissa Rosenbluh, parent of a 13-year-old son with special needs said , also in the release. “There are not many public outing that we can take as a family and we are so fortunate to have a local history museum that is flexible and willing to explore new opportunities for families with special needs children in the community…I think it’s fabulous.”

Discovering Our Way will be offered Saturdays, April 5, April 26 and May 3 in two sessions: 10 – 10:45 a.m. or 11 – 11:45 a.m.  Advanced reservations are required by calling 203-259-1598; admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, the release said.

Fairfield Museum and History Center is at 370 Beach Road

 

 

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