Resources and Accommodations

The Luminarium offers free access to the Aira Explorer and ASL mobile apps. 

Aira Explorer connects people who are blind or have low vision with professional visual interpreters. This service provides real-time assistance by describing, reading, explaining, and navigating visual information through audible communication.

Aira ASL provides visitors with on-demand access to professional American Sign Language interpreting. The interpreting service can be used across a range of high-detail communication scenarios, such as asking questions or getting directions from staff, understanding audio announcements, and accessing information at events. 

Any visitor who would like to use the services can download the Aira apps on their smartphone and access it for free while at the Luminarium. Simply download the Aira ASL app, create an account, and call an interpreter whenever the need arises.

Aira can be downloaded and accessed here.

We are a certified COMPASS Partner through Autism Action Partnership. Our staff is trained in best practices for creating an inclusive space for individuals who are neurodivergent and have sensory needs. 

To learn more about resources, see the Sensory and Social Resources section below.

We offer a limited number of standard adult-sized manual wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available to guests to borrow for free on a first-come, first-served basis. If you or anyone in your group would like to borrow a wheelchair, please ask staff at our Welcome Desk.

We have first aid kits and defibrillators available throughout the building and staff are trained to assist you with their use. Security and staff are also prepared to help in case of a fire evacuation or other emergency.

We partner with Access Period to provide free pads and tampons for guests in all women’s and single-stall family restrooms.

Personal care assistants officially accompanying clients with disabilities may receive standard daytime or Night Light admission during their visit at no additional cost.

We strive to provide quieter spaces and times for our guests. While quieter spaces may change by the season, they typically include the seating area in the Find Yourself gallery and the Care + Quiet Room located on the second floor on the north side of the building.

Quieter times also fluctuate but are generally in the late afternoon before close. If anyone in your group finds the space too loud, please notify our staff at the Welcome Desk. We are happy to provide a re-entry stamp for anytime that same day.

If you need to leave and would like to return later that same day, you can ask our staff at the Welcome Desk to issue a re-entry stamp.

We are a place designed for joyful discovery, and we encourage all guests to interact with the space in their own way. Our hope is that these resources are helpful to everyone in preparing for their visit, especially those with sensory differences and who are members of the neurodivergent community.

For individuals sensitive to light, we do not have strobe lights. However, we sometimes have moving lights for special programs and events. We also have a few exhibits that include a flashing light component. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or ask at our Welcome Desk.

Below are resources to help you prepare for your visit: 

• Social Narrative
• Sensory map (printed copies are available at the Welcome Desk)
• Sensory Kits are available for guests to borrow for free at the Welcome Desk. Kits include communication cards, fidget toys, headphones, a sensory map, sunglasses, and a timer.

We welcome service animals. Emotional support animals, however, are not permitted within our space.

Guests are welcome to use the complimentary guest WiFi. Please ask staff at our Welcome Desk for the WiFi network name and password.

If you have any questions regarding resources and accommodations for your visit, please contact [email protected].