Play YOUR Way at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine!
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we’re big on belonging. That means we are continually working to create a comfortable environment for ALL Museum & Theatre visitors.
July marks the anniversary of the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for persons with disabilities). It is also Disability Pride Month and a chance to honor the history and experiences of the Disability Community.
CMTM is continually working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond these guidelines to uphold our philosophy that every family deserves a safe place to play and learn. We are always assessing, adjusting, and listening to feedback about ways we can continue to improve.
We recognize that all guests have varying needs and comfort levels and that crowds, sound, and new environments can be a barrier to visitation. For over a decade, CMTM has offered “Play Your Way” visits, special low-key play times for anyone who would benefit from a quieter experience.
Play Your Way: What’s It All About?
Play Your Way is the perfect time for families affected by Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or other challenges to explore the Museum & Theatre while meeting other families with similar experiences. These quieter play times allow families to familiarize themselves with CMTM and enjoy the exhibits without the added pressures of a full-capacity building.
“My favorite part of Play Your Way is the community building among caregivers. A parent recently shared with me that it’s not the lower capacity limits, adjustments to exhibits or lighting that makes Play Your Way special. It’s that if her child takes off his shirt and runs away yelling, she knows that the other caregivers will empathize with her. Knowing this type of behavior can happen and her child won’t be judged makes her feel like her family belongs at CMTM.”
When does Play Your Way Happen?
In 2022, CMTM hosted five Play Your Way sessions and welcomed over 500 participants! This year CMTM is on-track to host eight Play Your Ways, with programs happening every few months. There are two upcoming Play Your Ways, with more to come this fall:
JULY 27, 2023 | 4 - 6 PM
AUGUST 24, 2023 | 4 -6 PM
Check out the Programs and Events Calendar for information about upcoming Play Your Ways, or join our Play Your Way email list:
How do we sign up for an upcoming Play Your Way?
Play Your Way is free! CMTM kindly requests that visitors RSVP.
Noise-reducing headphones are available at the front desk.
What if we need a quieter space during our visit?
Several places throughout the Museum & Theatre are designed to be quieter. You can find them on each floor:
First Floor
Viewing Gallery in Maddy’s Theatre (please see the Welcome Desk or any staff member for access to this space.)
Second Floor
Melissa’s Seaside Cottage (book nook)
Nursing Nook
Third Floor
Illuminate Exhibit
IDEXX STEM Learning Hub
Please see any staff member for assistance finding a quiet place.
CMTM also has a number of noise-reducing headphones available for guest use. Ask about them at the front desk!
We still have questions. Who should we contact?
If you have suggestions, questions, or need more information to make your visit successful, please contact Lily Gilbert, Director of Visitor Engagement, at lily@kitetails.org or call 207-828-1234.
Play Your Way is made possible with the generous support of WEX, Mascoma Bank, Sara Gideon, and The Miller Foundation.
Accessibility features throughout the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine were made possible through the generous support of Imagine Campaign donors Donorthy Suzi Osher, Madeleine G. Corson, L.L.Bean, The Pond Family Foundation, Unum, Shaw Brothers Family Foundation, Hussey Seating, and Bill and Dana Poole.
Learn more about accessibility at CMTM here: https://www.kitetails.org/accessibility
Everyone belongs at CMTM. 🧡