April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to elevate understanding and celebrate the contributions of autistic individuals and their communities. At the Intrepid Museum, this commitment extends well beyond a single month. Inclusive design and accessible programming are embedded into the Museum’s daily work, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can engage meaningfully with history, science and innovation year-round.
For more than a decade, the Intrepid Museum has led the way in developing sensory-friendly experiences for visitors with autism and their families. Signature initiatives such as Early Morning Openings create a more comfortable environment with reduced crowds and tailored, multisensory activities. These efforts have not remained isolated programs. They have shaped broader exhibition design and education offerings, making inclusion a standard rather than an exception across the Museum.
Visitors can plan ahead with tools like a social narrative and sensory guide, and sensory bags are available onsite to support a range of needs. This work is guided by the Museum’s Neurodiversity Advisory Council, whose members bring lived experience and critical perspective to ensure programming remains thoughtful, relevant and impactful.
Explore inclusive programming offered throughout the year at the Intrepid Museum, including the upcoming events below.
Access Family Program: Fly by Design
Sunday, April 26
11:00am–1:00pm – Children (ages 5–17)
2:00pm–4:00pm – Teens and adults (ages 14+)
For individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
How do you build the future of flight? By learning from the past. Take a closer look at the aircraft in the Intrepid Museum’s collection to sharpen observation skills, compare historic flying machines and explore innovations shaping the next generation of airplanes. Families participate in a guided tour and hands-on activities designed for all ages and abilities.
Register for the children’s session
Register for the teen and adult session
Early Morning Opening: Sea Signals: Communication Aboard
Saturday, May 9 | 8:30am–11:00am
For children (ages 3–18) with autism or sensory sensitivities and their families.
When words are not enough, sailors and aviators rely on signals, symbols and codes. Explore how crews communicated aboard Intrepid at sea and in the sky, then try these techniques through hands-on activities.
The Intrepid Museum’s Early Morning Openings take place before public hours, offering a more comfortable environment with reduced crowds. Families receive a social narrative in advance to help prepare for the visit.
Free with advance registration. Space is limited. Learn more here.
Want to visit the museum? We would love to have you! Find out all about our offerings here and plan your trip today.
If you join our membership program you can visit the museum any time! Plus enjoy many membership perks at a discounted rate.
