Museum Updates MCM Sensory Map

Introducing, Sensory Maps!

What are “Senses?”

Each person performs their daily life activities based on sensation. The five main senses are touch, taste, sound, smell, and sight. There are two more senses that are less common but still important: vestibular and proprioceptive.

Vestibular is the sense of movement and balance. It is knowing where our head and body is in relation to the ground while moving. Proprioception is information from our muscles and joints that tell us where our body parts are and how we are moving them. These 2 senses help us to move our body without having to watch each body part as we move.

What can Sensory Difficulties look like?

Sensory difficulties are an issue with receiving information from the environment, processing it, or responding to it. Children who have sensory difficulties may have an aversion to anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.


HOW WE ACCOMMODATE CHILDREN WITH SENSORY NEEDS…

SENSORY MAPS

The Sensory Map at the bottom of the page describes the types of sensation that visitors will experience at each exhibit and gives a rating of LOW, MEDIUM, OR HIGH. Visitors with sensory difficulties can use the Sensory Map to work on areas of sensory need or avoid potentially difficult areas of the museum.

SOCIAL STORY

On the back of each sensory map is a Social Story. Social Stories help children learn correct behavior for a specific situation by using a simple, goal-focused narrative and pictures.

SENSORY BACKPACKS

Both MCM and MCM-Meridian are equipped with Sensory Backpacks. These Sensory Backpacks are equipped with helpful resources that a child with sensory difficulties can use to better their experience at the museum. This bag includes headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys.


World at Work

EXPLORING MISSISSIPPI

HEALTHY FUN

OUTDOOR EXHIBITS