Education Everywhere — Visiting the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens can be daunting for people with autism or visual or hearing impairments. This April, the exhibit will be open after hours for three nights for special inclusive programming.
Each of the Inclusive Nights run from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required, but admission is free.
April 7 – Sensory Friendly Night – An open house event so families can explore the butterfly exhibit and the gardens at their own pace. The exhibition will have sensory-friendly lighting and sound, and visual supports to provide a calm and welcoming experience. Quiet spaces are available for breaks if needed.
April 9 – Deaf or Hard of Hearing – ASL interpreters will be available at the entrance, and staff and volunteers will be paired with ASL interpreters at several carts around the gardens. Hearing loop will be available in the Hoffman Theater, which will show butterfly-related short films that will also be close captioned. Smaller crowds will also help reduce noise levels.
April 10 – Blind or Low Vision – Staff and volunteers will be available as guides and will have materials to touch and explore. Gloves will also be available at some sculptures, so visitors can touch and experience them too.
The Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibit is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States and is open until April 30.
