Staten Island Children's Museum Promote Awareness of Disabilities

The Staten Island Children's Museum will promote awareness of the contributions of employees with disabilities during its October programs.

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a nationwide campaign that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities throughout American history. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to the services and supports to enable them to work. What started as one week back in 1945 has become an entire month of awareness activities, well-earned accolades and celebrations of achievements.

The Children's Museum programming this month will explore the many contributions of employees with disabilities to the areas of art, cooking, and science.

October's ShopRite Kidz Cook sessions on Fridays at 3:00 and 4:00 pm will show participants how to cook some of the signature dishes from famous chefs living with disabilities. Sessions are free with admission; tickets will be available at the front desk.

The month's weekend art studio will explore the works of American fiber sculptor Judith Scott, who was born with Down Syndrome. Young artists will get to create their own fiber sculptures inspired by her work. The Studio is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Monday, October 8 is a "Cool School Holiday" with free admission for all guests from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm thanks to Macy's. Museum visitors will have a chance to support autism awareness during the special workshop "Create and Connect Puzzles" that day from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Guests should pick up a timed ticket at the front desk as this workshop will have limited availability.

The Con Edison Second Saturday Science! workshop on Saturday, October 13 will explore "The Science of Sight." Visitors will learn about braille and create their own braille name tags. They will explore Daltonism, also known as color blindness, through a series of activities and tests. The workshop is scheduled from Noon - 1:00 pm. Tickets will be available at the front desk, and the session is limited to 25 attendees.

Hungry Museum guests can visit the Museum's Snack Zone, which employs a team from On Your Mark. This Staten Island organization provides services to children and adults with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and neurological impairments. On Your Mark is a leader in developing staff training curricula for student interns, community volunteers, and professionals.

In addition, as a recipient of a CreateNYC Disability Forward Fund grant, the Children's Museum will partner with the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Zoo and the GRACE Foundation of New York to offer "Access Art for All," a monthly series of cultural outings and hands-on art experiences for children, teens, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program further supports the Children's Museum's commitment to recognizing and celebrating different learning styles and encouraging participation by visitors of all abilities.

More October Programs

· It's time for a pizza party to celebrate Italian Heritage Month during ShopRite Kidz Cook sessions at 3:00 & 4:00 pm on Friday, October 19. Julian Rosen from Roberta's Pizza in Brooklyn will share a dough throwing demonstration while guests enjoy a slice. Pick up a ticket at the front desk.

· On Sunday, October 28 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, celebrate Dia de los Muertos with artist Tamara Geisler, who will help participants create Mexican folk art. They'll also sample traditional foods for this Day of the Dead celebration. Timed tickets will be available at the front desk as this workshop will have limited availability.

Halloween Celebrations!
The Children's Museum has a number of fun activities for Halloween:

· Children's Museum Members-Only "Not-So-Scary" Halloween Party, Friday, October 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Museum Members will enjoy live entertainment, candy, spooky crafts and of course, the famous haunted house! Reservations are required. $16 per person. Discounted tickets for $13 are available until October 12 and may be purchased on sichildrensmuseum.org.

· Halloween Activities, Saturday, October 27: The Children's Museum's will host a special Halloween art workshop from 1:00 - 4:00 pm; a "spooky science" oobleck-making session from 2:00 -2:30 pm; and a return visit from Drag Queen Story Hour, where visitors will hear a story, make a craft, sing and & dance with their friends from 3:00 - 4:00 pm.

· The Mighty String Demons, Sunday, October 28 at 2:00 pm: This group of young performers returns to the Children's Museum to help visitors get into the Halloween spirit.

Please note that programming is subject to change; visit sichildrensmuseum.org for updates.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The Museum's hours for September - June are Tuesday- Friday from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information, call 718-273-2060, email info@sichildrensmuseum.org, or visit sichildrensmuseum.org.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operation is made possible, in part, with public funds provided through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the Staten Island delegation to the NYC Council. Significant operating support is also provided by the NYS Council on the Arts, Corporations, Foundations, the Trustees and Members.