Every day
Liberty
Science Center features experiences for guests of
all ages and stages of learning. We strive to
inspire guests to take a closer look at the world
around them and to take informed action that
strengthens their communities.
When Patrick Murphy, an 11-year-old boy with autism,
submitted his winning entry for the “Earth Saving
Super Powers” contest, the Center’s staff was
inspired by his answer to the question of how to
help save our planet. Seeing that the unexpected
recipient of the award had thought “out of the box”
inspired the Center to do the same.
After many years of positive feedback regarding the
accessibility of the Science Center’s exhibits, the staff began to
wonder what could be done to make a day at the
Center even more enriching to those with special
needs. An advisory team was formed including special
education teachers, healthcare professionals, museum
staffers, and parents of special needs children. The Science Center also partnered with the team at
Exceptional Parent
(EP) magazine - a 39-year-old journal
that provides information and education to families
of children and adults with disabilities and special
needs as well as the physicians, allied health care
professionals, educators, and caregivers involved in
their care and development. Through Liberty Science Center and EP’s collaboration the Center
is creating a day of learning about the world
through science for those with special needs and the
family and caregivers that love them.
“As part of its commitment to all learners at all
ages and stages of learning, Liberty Science Center is proud to offer this free day to
special students and their parents and caregivers.
Science inspiration comes from remarkable moments,
and we look forward to working with these students
to help them become inspired about the world around
them,” said Dr. Emlyn Koster, President and CEO of Liberty Science Center.
Joseph Valenzano, President and CEO of EP Global
Communications, Inc. states “Benjamin Franklin once
said ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I
remember. Involve me and I learn’. I think what we
are trying to do on March 2nd together
with the wonderful folks at the Liberty Science
Center is open the door to knowledge for children
and young adults with disabilities and special
health care needs to experience first hand the
wonders of science and the opportunities that
learning and education provide, not just for the
able-bodied but for the differently-abled as well.”
There will be live science demonstrations, theater
presentations, and increased staff and volunteers
who will be trained how to react to potential
problems or needs. Sensitivity training will be
offered by professionals from the NYU Department of
Psychiatry. All of these factors will contribute to
a more enhanced experience for the students,
teachers, parents and caregivers.
The Center is currently seeking sponsorship to help
cover operating costs for the Special Needs Day
scheduled for March 2, 2010. Given this is the first
in what is hoped will become an annual event, free
attendance is offered for the kickoff of Special
Needs Day, along with sponsorship opportunities that
involve advertising presence in
EP
magazine’s print and digital versions; a presence on
the EP website at
EP
Global Communications, Inc., parent company of
Exceptional Parent
(EP) magazine, is a 39-year-old, award-winning,
multi-faceted publishing and communications company,
which provides timely and indispensable resources
and information to families and professionals caring
for the needs of children and adults with
disabilities.
Dedicated
to providing transformative experiences that connect
schools and society with science and technology,
Liberty
Science Center is the New Jersey-New
York City region's largest
education resource. Motivated by an innovative
philosophy and enabled by a $109 million expansion
and renewal,
Liberty
Science Center is bringing the excitement of
science to students, educators, families and adults
in engaging new ways and establishing a progressive
benchmark for the science center field. Visit
www.lsc.org to learn more about
Liberty Science Center, located in Liberty State Park,
Jersey City, NJ.