Lafayette, Colorado – WOW! Children’s Museum (World of Wonder) is pleased to announce the opening of Forest of Light, a new sensory friendly exhibit that encourages play between children of all abilities.  Inspired by WOW!’s Sensory Friendly Playtime program, the exhibit is welcoming and engaging for all visitors.  Forest of Light transports visitors into a darkened and quiet forest space, complete with an interactive river, a giant pin wall, life size lite brite, marble wall, fluttering kaleidoscope, and a hideout hollow.

 

When visitors experience Forest of Light, they are encouraged to think of the words tactile, touch, and texture.  As children move throughout the forest, they will practice gross and fine motor skills, explore their senses with tactile and visual experiences, and work with color and light design.  This sensory rich exhibit will provide a calmer space for visitors as well as a dedicated space for occupational therapists to work with client families in the Museum. 

 

More children than ever are being diagnosed with autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders.  According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 68 children have autism spectrum disorder.  Forest of Light developed from the popularity of WOW!’s Sensory Friendly Playtime program, a free and private event for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders to enjoy the museum with their families.  The exhibit was designed with valuable input from Sensory Friendly Playtime participants and local occupational therapists to ensure it was inclusive and welcoming for children of all abilities.

 

“Many children in our community can get easily overwhelmed during a museum visit. With input from occupational therapists and Sensory Friendly Playtime families, we are proud to have created Forest of Light, a new inclusive exhibit,” said Jennifer Hinderliter, Executive Director. “Thank you to IMLS, the Dodge Family Fund and the many individual donors who made this exhibit possible.  This was truly a community-supported project!”

 

Forest of Light was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant award #MA-10-17-0016-17 and with support from the Dodge Family Fund.

 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

About WOW! Children’s Museum

WOW! Children's Museum engages all families in educational, hands-on experiences that connect curiosity, creativity, and discovery.  For more information visit: www.wowchildrensmuseum.org. Follow WOW! Children’s Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

WOW! Children’s Museum is a community supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Views: 119

Replies are closed for this discussion.

 

Milestones

Milestones are back up! You can submit and view engagements, wedding, anniversaries and birth announcements at Prairie Mountain Media's Milestones form. Obituaries can also be found at DailyCamera.com at dailycamera.com/obituaries.

Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by Matt Flood.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service