access/ABILITY
New exhibition at Canadian Children’s Museum helps create positive awareness of people living with disabilities
Gatineau, Quebec, February 1, 2005 – A new exhibition at the Canadian Children’s Museum called access/ABILITY is a highly interactive, yet sensitive disability awareness exhibition that delivers the message to children, parents and educators that as human beings, we are more alike than different. It aims to show young visitors how people with disabilities rise to the challenges everyday situations can pose and how we all find ways to adapt to various situations on a daily basis. access/ABILITY opens February 5 and is on until April 24, 2005.
This unique exhibition presents people living with disabilities as active participants in the world. access/ABILITY features fun and engaging activities that show the similarities and differences in how each of us, with or without disabilities, go places, communicate, have fun, and learn. Visitors will have a chance to negotiate an obstacle course in a wheel chair and to communicate without using words. They can try a hand-pedaled bike, use tools designed for people with particular disabilities and take part in a multi-sensory walk in the city. access/ABILITY gives children an opportunity to experience the everyday world in a new way, through the eyes, or in the shoes or with the hands of another person – whatever their abilities or disabilities may be.
“This exhibition is important because it gives children the opportunity to experience another person’s situation and therefore has the power to open minds and change attitudes about people living with disabilities,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation.
“As Minister responsible for persons with disabilities, I am pleased to see this exhibition come to Canada,” said Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development. “This is a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to experience, to learn, to understand the barriers and the day-to-day life for people with disabilities.”
The exhibition introduces visitors to individuals living with disabilities who talk about themselves, their accomplishments, and how they overcome challenges in their lives. A resource area provides a quiet space where visitors can learn more about disabilities.
This exhibition was created by the Boston Children’s Museum for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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