ACCOMMODATIONS

BLIND OR LOW VISION

Guided Tactile Tours are available for free to small groups visiting the Museum. Preregistration is required at least two weeks prior to desired date with the Coordinator of Accessibility and Inclusion.

Beacons provide independent wayfinding of the Nature Research Center via the BlindSquare Event iOS App. You can download the app to your Apple device by visiting the BlindSquare App in the iTunes Store.

NC NatSci Museum iOS App provides a multimedia guide of all downtown Raleigh exhibits and a navigable map that are compatible with accessibility features. You can download the app to your Apple device by visiting the NC NatSci App in the iTunes Store.

AUTISM OR SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS

The Sensory Map identifies sensory-friendly spaces within the Museum.
Sensory Map (PDF)

Social Stories detail what to expect when visiting the Museum. They are available in both English and Español.

• Visiting the Museum Guide (PDF)
• Visiting the Museum, Younger Guide (PDF)
• Guía del museo para principiantes (PDF)
• Guía de museo (PDF)

Noise-Cancelling Headphones are available for free at both Information Desks with a form of identification.

Quiet Room is located on the first floor of the Nature Exploration Center. For access, see staff at the Information Desk.

Sensory-Friendly Morning is an event held annually in May for visitors to enjoy the Museum in a calmer, quieter atmosphere. The event features Museum scientists, live animals and their keepers, and a host of other sensory-friendly activities. For more information, please see the

Sensory-Friendly Morning Event Page on the program and events calendar.

DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

Sign Language Interpretation for live presentations or programs is available upon request. Requests must be made no less than three weeks in advance with Katey Ahmann, Head of Featured Experiences, at katey.ahmann@naturalsciences.org or 919.707.9888.

Assistive Listening Devices are available upon request for visitors attending live presentations or programs.

Movie Transcripts are available for showings in the WRAL 3D Theater for free from the Box Office.

MOBILITY DISABILITIES

Wheelchairs are available for free at both Information Desks.

Automatic Doors are located at the entrances to the Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center. Visitors are cautioned there are currently no automatic doors on the second and third floor bridges that connect the two buildings.

Elevators operate between each level of the Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center.

Accessible Seating is available in the SECU Daily Planet Theater and WRAL 3D Theater for visitors using scooters or wheelchairs.

Accessible Restrooms are located in all public restrooms on every floor of the Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center.

VISITORS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Strollers are available for free at both Information Desks with a form of identification.

Baby Changing Stations are located in all public and single-use restrooms in the Nature Exploration Center. In the Nature Research Center, they are located on the first, second, and third floor women’s public restrooms and first floor men’s public restroom.

Nursing Room is located on the first floor of the Nature Exploration Center. For access, see staff at the Information Desk.

PRIVATE RESTROOMS

Single-Use Restrooms are located on the first and third floors of the Nature Exploration Center and first floor of the Nature Research Center. For access, see staff at the Information Desk.

Adult Changing Table is located on the 1st floor of the Nature Exploration Center. For access, see staff at the Information Desk.

SERVICE ANIMALS

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences welcomes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): a dog or miniature horse (or one in training) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Due to the presence of the Museum's animals, areas such as the Living Conservatory and Windows on the World are considered sensitive, and require extra caution for service animals. Pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals, or species other than a dog or miniature horse are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not allowed in the Museum.

To request a copy of our Service Animal Policy document, or if you have any questions, please contact Katey Ahmann, Head of Featured Experiences, at katey.ahmann@naturalsciences.org or 919.707.9888.