Corning Museum of Glass ~ Accessible to all

by Laurie Phillips –

My spouse has Multiple Sclerosis, which requires a power wheelchair to move about.  When a friend of a friend offered the use of a handicapped van for a day, we had the pleasure of going to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York.

The Corning Museum of Glass is a treasure, per Wikipedia, “…dedicated to the art, history and science of glass.”  For us, it is also a treasure in the attention placed on making sure that the museum’s art and educational offerings are available to all.

The Museum has frequent complimentary shuttle busses from their free parking lot to their main entrance.  The busses are surprising easy to access with a wheelchair.   Written above the inside of the windshield: People with disabilities come first.  This simple statement encompasses the entire Museum.

Also evident, visitor friendly to any age.  There is no shush of an art gallery.  There is plenty of room for strollers. The exhibits are showcased to view whether standing or sitting.  As a guest, you set your own pace.

The state-of-the-art Amphitheater offers a screening of employees narrating and demonstrating the glassmaking process throughout history.  This engaging twenty minute show is informative, fun, and visible on several monitors suspended from the ceiling and translated in Mandarin.

Throughout the Museum (human) volunteers and staff set up small demonstration stations showing various glass properties or principals.  They are easily approachable and knowledgeable.  But not a mandatory stop.  There are many hands on exhibits to play with.

If you would like to do some research before you go, their very friendly web site is cmog.org.  They can be reached by phone at 800.732.6845.  Their beautifullly  designed brochures are available in many stores.

So, take a little time and visit this remarkable place ~ designed to be accessible to all.