CLEVELAND (April 3, 2025) – Exhibits at Great Lakes Science Center are designed to encourage curiosity and interaction, but for some guests, the lights and sounds of the museum can be overwhelming. As part of an ongoing effort to make visits accessible and inclusive for all members of the community, the Science Center will unveil its newly developed Sensory Space and launch a new weekly series of sensory friendly Sunday morning programming in April.
“The catalyst for this important space grew out of our ongoing efforts to audit accessibility in our building. As a highly engaging space, we knew we needed a better option for guests seeking a space where they can control the sensory input to meet their needs in the moment,” said Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen, President & CEO of Great Lakes Science Center. “This uniquely designed room was planned to provide greater opportunities for a sensory regulating space for anyone who might desire that during their visit.”
The official ribbon cutting for the new Sensory Space will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, celebrating the Science Center’s growing collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which provided support and funding for the project.
“Inclusion is the name of the game, and we are proud to partner with the Great Lakes Science Center on the new Sensory Space, which will allow more people to fully participate in everything the Science Center has to offer,” said Dr. Amber C. Gibbs, Superintendent & CEO of Cuyahoga DD. “I know what spaces like this mean to people with disabilities, and I am grateful to the Science Center for their investment in inclusive, accessible spaces and programming.”
On Sunday, April 13, following the official Sensory Space opening, the Science Center will host its first GLSC for Me day from 10 a.m. until noon, altering some of the regular exhibits to create an atmosphere that will be adapted for guests with sensory needs, and providing additional supports for guests with a wide range of accessibility needs.
“GLSC for Me provides an opportunity for families to enjoy the museum experience that may not otherwise be possible because of the noise or bright lights,” said Brett Nicholas, the Science Center’s vice president of education. “Modifying exhibits to reduce loud noises or intense lighting is one part of the equation.”
In addition to the modifications of the exhibits, adaptive materials including noise reducing headphones, fidget materials and weighted blankets will be available for guests, Nicholas said.
About Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center is one of the top ten museums in the nation as celebrated by the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award for Best Science Museum. The Science Center hosted Total Eclipse Fest in 2024, one of the largest free eclipse events in the country and is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. The Science Center makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and more. The Science Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, earned a 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a leading provider of insight and data about the non-profit world. The Science Center is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Visit GreatScience.com for more information.
About Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Cuyahoga DD supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community and proudly serves 14,500 county residents from birth through adulthood. Cuyahoga DD is primarily supported by a property-tax levy last approved by voters in 2005. Learn more at CuyahogaBDD.org.