Accessibility

A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are located on Jefferson Drive across from the Museum.

Visitors with disability hang tags or license plates can park for free at metered spaces along Independence Avenue SW. 

Please pay attention to time of day restrictions. 

Some of our media pieces with sound have induction loops. You can identify them by a blue and white sign located with the particular media piece. 
Select other pieces use ListenTech.

All multimedia in the Museum appears with captions. 

Sensory bags include noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, and other tools to help make the Museum more accessible for neurodiverse visitors. They can be checked out at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center.

A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan at the Security Desk. 

A sighted-guide will offer you a tour of the Museum. Contact us to for more information. 

Discovery Stations are hands on experiences for visitors. You can request a Discovery Station that is designed to be accessible for blind or low-vision visitors with tactile models by contacting us. 

ASL interpretation is already provided for some programs. That will be noted on the event description. 

For interpretation at another program, or in a different signed language (eg. PSE or Signed English), please contact us. 

Service animals are welcome at the Museum. 

Under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals.

Visitors are welcome to bring manual or motorized wheelchairs, scooters, and other manual or power-driven mobility devices when visiting the Smithsonian. 

Gasoline-powered devices are not allowed inside Smithsonian buildings.

For more questions, please contact the Museum's Visitor Services staff via email or via phone at 202-633-2211.