We’re honored to share that the Sciencenter has been awarded Racker’s 2025 Community Partner Award, recognizing our ongoing commitment to collaboration and creating joyful, barrier-free experiences for all visitors.
At the Sciencenter, we believe science is for everyone. That’s why we’ve prioritized creating a welcoming space where people of all abilities can play, discover, and explore together. Our partnership with Racker over the past 20 years has helped us grow in this commitment, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
“Our partnership has grown over the years, with initiatives such as allowing staff and the people we serve to access Community Partner Passes, requesting training assistance, hosting Sensory Hours, providing sensory bags to families, and more. Your hard work has ensured the facility is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to people with disabilities and their families, which leaves an incredible impact on our community.” – Kaitlyn Dennehy, Racker Community Engagement Manager
Sensory Hours, 2018
“The Sciencenter is a cornerstone of our community in Ithaca… It has become a staple in our Meaningful Days program, which seeks to engage individuals in their community, pursue meaningful goals, and have fun while doing it.” – Orryn Mahaley, Racker Senior Direct Support Professional
Through initiatives like our Community Partner Pass, we’ve provided over 350 free admission passes to Racker in the last three years, welcoming more than 400 Racker community members. These efforts help reduce barriers and ensure equitable access to hands-on science experiences.
To support visitors with sensory needs, we offer sensory kits at our Front Desk that include noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools. These tools support self-regulation and help reduce stress in stimulating environments, particularly for neurodivergent children or anyone who experiences sensory overload.
Sensory Kits
“There’s something for everyone at the Sciencenter. Whether it’s building a dam, racing rubber ducks, or experiencing the invisible harp, the museum sparks curiosity and joy in people of all abilities.” – Orryn Mahaley
We’ve also collaborated with occupational therapy graduate students from Ithaca College to develop a sensory map of the museum. The map highlights areas with changes in lighting, sound levels, strong smells, and temperature, helping families and caregivers plan visits that meet their specific needs.
“While supporting an individual who is blind, but thoroughly enjoys the invisible harp, staff are reminded that we can explore the world with all our senses, not just sight. This is a vital lesson that directly translates into how we support others.” – Orryn Mahaley
The animal habitats are a big hit—many individuals Racker supports love seeing and learning about them up close.
“Our partnership with Racker has helped us be more welcoming to all families, through sensory hours that expanded to everyday inclusive experiences, sensory kits, and social stories for families visiting the museum. Their partnership has also helped us increase accessibility in our exhibits and wayfinding.” – Michelle Kortenaar, Sciencenter Executive Director
“Racker has been a wonderful partner to lean on as we developed programs like Sensory Hours and comprehensive staff trainings to make the Sciencenter more accessible. Maureen, Racker’s Supporting Success Team Leader, especially, has been lovely to work with—and we continue to support each other in making science fun and accessible for everyone.” – Annie Gordon, Sciencenter Education Program Manager
We’re deeply grateful for this recognition from Racker and look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you, Racker—here’s to the next 20 years!