The Everyone is Special (EIS) program is an extension of Amazement Square’s educational priorities to cultivate an engaged community of lifelong learners and ensure hands-on learning is accessible to all visitors. Through this program, Amazement Square is able to provide unique museum exploration experiences to children with diverse needs, their siblings, and caregivers. Additionally, this program provides STEAM-based and art experiential learning opportunities to adaptive learning classrooms and adult centers. 

 

1st Annual LOOP Run

Amazement Square’s debut LOOP Run, a run for individuals with disabilities, was a great success, and we are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our amazing volunteers!

Eta Sigma Gamma from Liberty University’s Public Health, University of Lynchburg’s College of Health Services School of Physical Therapy, University of Lynchburg’s Swim Team, the Arby’s Foundation, and Centra Autism Center

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Family Events

At Amazement Square, we believe that learning is for all, and recognize that each child is unique and special. Our Family Day events are designed to create an atmosphere in which children on the autism spectrum and their families can engage in learning-through-play activities which spark imagination, creativity, and curiosity. Family Days are held in the museum, after normal operating hours, to provide an environment that is less busy and more sensory friendly.

 

School Programs

To connect with students on the autism spectrum in classrooms, the Everyone is Special school program offers a multi-series STEAM outreach program focusing on space, engineering, and coding. The program is tailored to the needs of each classroom for a customized experience. In the Spring of 2022, a pilot program was offered to three Bedford County Public Schools classrooms at Boonsboro Elementary, New London Elementary, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools. The pilot program included invention design, problem solving, rocket design, and a planetarium presentation. The full program is now being offered to local classrooms in the greater Lynchburg community. If you are interested in this program for your school or classroom, please email our education team.

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Community Advisory Committee

In pursuit of enhancing the museum experience and building up our community, Amazement Square has created a Community Advisory Committee for the Everyone is Special program. In partnership with Centra Autism and Developmental Center, the Community Advisory Committee is made up of professionals working in medical, educational, and therapeutic fields, as well as parents of children on the autism spectrum. With their insight and guidance, Amazement Square is able to receive valuable input on how to best provide resources for the Autism community of Virginia. We are always welcoming interested individuals to join this committee, if you or someone you know may be interested, please email our education team.

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Enhancing the Museum Experience

By collecting feedback from visitors of our Family events, and with continued input from our Community Advisory Committee, Amazement Square is on a continual pursuit to enhance the museum experience for all. While working to provide multiple resources to our guests, we are also striving to continuously provide staff development for our team. Cultivating lifelong learners doesn't stop with our guests, and we encourage our staff to always follow our motto: Be kind, be safe, and be thinking!

 

Everyone is Special is made possible in part by generous grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Centra Health, and the Al Stroobants Foundation.