DOVER—
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has announced Sunday, March 14 as the launch date of its new program, Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program. On that date, the museum will open early at 10 a.m. just for families whose children are affected by autism. Families will be able to enjoy the museum’s exhibits for two hours prior to opening and are also welcome to stay and play after the museum opens to the public. Families can participate in this program at no charge thanks to underwriting by the Cogswell Benevolent Trust. This free program will continue through the spring on the second Sunday of each month at 10 a.m.: April 11, May 9 and June 13. Future dates will be announced before the summer.
Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program will provide free visits to the museum for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) while the museum is closed to the public, and continuing after it opens. Members of the museum’s education staff are working with UNH specialists and Easter Seals – The Family Place in Dover to plan for these visits to ensure participants’ full enjoyment and exploration of the museum.
“The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire clearly has an outstanding understanding of meeting the learning needs of children of all abilities,” said Patti Rawding-Anderson, Director of Easter Seals - The Family. “Easter Seals’ Camp Connect Summer Program for children with social challenges participated in a field trip to the museum and the staff was amazing at ensuring their experience was optimal. In fact, the museum’s director of education sought their input for change and several of our students made some excellent recommendations for a number of the exhibits. In subsequent visits, we found they had implemented a number of the suggestions. How wonderful to have such an amazing community partner in supporting the experiences of children.”
Children’s Museum of N.H. Director Denise Doleac noted, “In our research, we found that there is a great need for this type of programming, and we are grateful to the Cogswell Benevolent Trust for funding this new initiative. We look forward to welcoming many families through this program in the coming year.” Deb Jurkoic, Autism Family Support Specialist for Easter Seals - The Family Place, added, “We’re very excited about this new program because it will help children as well as parents. Families often feel isolated when they have a child with ASD, but these special opportunities at the museum will allow parents to network with one another and enjoy family time in a safe, understanding environment.”
(Courtesy photo)
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has announced Sunday, March 14 as the launch date of its new program, Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program. On that date, the museum will open early at 10 a.m. just for families whose children are affected by autism. Families will be able to enjoy the museum’s exhibits for two hours prior to opening and are also welcome to stay and play after the museum opens to the public. Families can participate in this program at no charge thanks to underwriting by the Cogswell Benevolent Trust. This free program will continue through the spring on the second Sunday of each month at 10 a.m.: April 11, May 9 and June 13. Future dates will be announced before the summer.
Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program will provide free visits to the museum for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) while the museum is closed to the public, and continuing after it opens. Members of the museum’s education staff are working with UNH specialists and Easter Seals – The Family Place in Dover to plan for these visits to ensure participants’ full enjoyment and exploration of the museum.
“The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire clearly has an outstanding understanding of meeting the learning needs of children of all abilities,” said Patti Rawding-Anderson, Director of Easter Seals - The Family. “Easter Seals’ Camp Connect Summer Program for children with social challenges participated in a field trip to the museum and the staff was amazing at ensuring their experience was optimal. In fact, the museum’s director of education sought their input for change and several of our students made some excellent recommendations for a number of the exhibits. In subsequent visits, we found they had implemented a number of the suggestions. How wonderful to have such an amazing community partner in supporting the experiences of children.”
Children’s Museum of N.H. Director Denise Doleac noted, “In our research, we found that there is a great need for this type of programming, and we are grateful to the Cogswell Benevolent Trust for funding this new initiative. We look forward to welcoming many families through this program in the coming year.” Deb Jurkoic, Autism Family Support Specialist for Easter Seals - The Family Place, added, “We’re very excited about this new program because it will help children as well as parents. Families often feel isolated when they have a child with ASD, but these special opportunities at the museum will allow parents to network with one another and enjoy family time in a safe, understanding environment.”
(Courtesy photo)
