ACCESSIBILITY
Discovery Center is committed to providing opportunities for ALL children to play, explore, and grow no matter their physical, behavioral/sensory, financial, or other needs.
Special Needs Council
The Special Needs Council is a group of parents, professionals, and staff working to make the Discovery Center more accessible and welcoming to guests with diverse learning styles, social comforts, and physical capabilities. If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Special Needs Council, please contact Lindsey Jennings.
Physical Needs
Parking: On-site parking is available with several accessible spaces in the first row closest to our main entrance. Parking is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restrooms: ADA-accessible restrooms are located both upstairs and downstairs. Changing facilities are also located on both levels and in the Tiny Town family restroom.
Service Animals: Service animals accompanying a guest with a disability covered under the ADA are welcome at Discovery Center. If a service animal will be accompanying you during your visit, please let the Discovery Center staff know at the front desk.
Wheelchair Access: The Discovery Center building is fully ADA-accessible, and we have worked to make as many exhibits fully accessible as possible. Many areas in our outdoor exhibits – including the wetlands walkways – are also accessible.
Benches: strategically placed throughout the building.
Elevator: serves both floors, and is always open to guests. Ramps are located at the main and patio entrances downstairs. The wetlands walking areas are also accessible by ramp.
Personal Care Assistants: Paid Personal Care Assistants are given free admission into the museum when accompanying a guest with a disability covered under the ADA.
Behavioral and Sensory Needs
Assistive Technology Check-Out: Several types of assistive technologies are available for check-out during your visit. There is no associated cost, but we do require a deposit of your driver’s license when checking items out. We have the following items listed below. All check-out items are properly sanitized after each use.
Noise-Reducing Headphones
Transition Timers
Weighted Vests
Easi-Grip Loop Scissors and Triangular Crayons
The Chill Zone - Discovery Center’s sensory calm-down space
Financial Needs
Discovery Center offers a variety of free days throughout the year. We also offer free memberships and field trip scholarships through donor support when available.
Discovery Center is also a part of Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Discovery Center offers general admission to the Museum for a minimal fee of $3 per person (for up to four people) with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or WIC card along with a photo ID.
Museums for All helps expand access to museums and raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching entire communities. More than 700 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands
Programs
Each day you will be able to attend a variety of programs and special events at Discovery Center.
Public Programs are held each afternoon, and several times daily during the summer. These are included with your admission and available to guests of all ages and ability levels. You can visit the Programs and Events page for specific details regarding the weekly activities for each program, or you can contact Emmie Enochs for more information. We invite all guests to participate in these programs and are happy to make accommodations when possible.
All Access Nights are times when the Discovery Center is open for special needs families only. You’ll be able to explore our exhibits and meet other families. More info»
Field Studies are our guided programs for school groups. We cover a variety of topics through hands-on exploration all year long. Please let us know in advance if you have children with any special needs so we can make any necessary modifications to our topics and schedules for the day. For information regarding field studies or to discuss options for accommodations, please contact our Scheduling Coordinator.
Cultural Competency Learning Institute Participant
The Discovery Center places particular value on a meaningful exchange on societal issues, locally and globally, where understanding of, and engagement with, science is essential—and always in the spirit of tolerance, peace, and respect for cultural identities and diversity.
All Access Inclusion Network
Discovery Center is proud to be certified by the All Access Inclusion Network. Staff members are trained by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center which promotes acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families by building connections throughout a community network of arts, education, athletic, and entertainment organizations. More info»
Opportunities for Adults with Special Needs
The Discovery Center offers volunteer opportunities for adults with special needs through the following programs:
IDEAL – Lipscomb University’s IDEAL Program provides young adults with IDD access to opportunities for growth and independence that promote inclusion, belonging, and contribution, which can lead to life-changing outcomes, thus impacting students, families, and the community.
Become a Sponsor
Calling all Community Partners! We hope that you will consider supporting our accessibility and inclusion efforts through sponsorship or in-kind services. We offer wonderful benefits built into our sponsorships such as complimentary admission passes, Museum family memberships, print and media exposure, recognition at the event, and vendor booth space. We will also provide you with a letter recognizing your charitable donation, as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Please contact Lindsey Jennings to get involved now.