Hands-on Learning for Kids

A disability awareness exhibit produced by the Boston Children’s Museum is on display until April 24 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

Called Access/Ability and presented in the Canadian Children’s Museum area, this exhibit focuses on human stories and personalities, presenting people with disabilities in everyday environments and activities familiar to children.

The Boston Children’s Museum designed and built the exhibit with the input of a large
number of groups and individuals living with disabilities. It was created to be a highly interactive, yet sensitive, disability awareness exhibit that delivers the message to children, parents and educators that as human beings, we are more alike than different.

This unique exhibit presents people living with disabilities as participants in the world and features fun and engaging activities that show the similarities and differences in how each of us, with or without disabilities, go places, communicate, have fun and learn.

Visitors will have a chance to learn phrases in American Sign Language, type their names in Braille, try a hand-pedalled bike and take part in a multi-sensory City
Walk. Throughout the exhibit, My Way kiosks introduce individuals living with disabilities who talk about themselves, their accomplishments and how they overcome challenges in their lives. A resource area provides a quiet space where visitors can learn more about disabilities through books and computer resources.

After its stay in Gatineau, the exhibit will travel as part of the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative to children's museums in New York, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada, California and Minnesota.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization can be reached at 1-800-555-5621 (TTY: (819) 776-7003), or visit www.civilization.ca.