Discovery Park Of America Inc

RBDG RURAL BUSINESS COOP RURAL ENTERPRISE GRANT

RBDG RURAL BUSINESS COOP RURAL ENTERPRISE GRANT

DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO FAMILY LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR VISITORS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. DURING THE 12-MONTH PROJECT PERIOD, DISCOVERY PARK WILL ASSESS THE MUSEUM ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOP TOOLS THAT HELP FAMILIES PREPARE FOR THEIR VISIT. ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE PRODUCING A VIDEO SOCIAL STORY, CREATING AN ACCESSIBILITY WEBPAGE AND DIGITAL VISITOR GUIDE, AND PROVIDING STAFF TRAINING FOCUSED ON SUPPORTING GUESTS WITH NON-VISIBLE DISABILITIES. THE PRIMARY AUDIENCE FOR THE PROJECT IS FAMILIES WITH MEMBERS WHO HAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, INCLUDING AUTISM AND SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES. EDUCATORS, CAREGIVERS, AND DISCOVERY PARK STAFF WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE TOOLS AND TRAINING. PROJECT RESULTS WILL INCLUDE INCREASED ACCESS TO DISCOVERY PARK'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, IMPROVED STAFF CONFIDENCE IN SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT VISITORS, AND PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DIGITAL RESOURCES TO HELP FAMILIES PREPARE FOR THEIR VISIT.

TO ADD A POLLINATOR GARDEN TO ACCOMPANY THE BEEHIVE ESTABLISHED AS PART OF THE AGRICULTURE: INNOVATING FOR OUR SURVIVAL EXHIBIT AT THE DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA.