New Exhibit Helps Create Positive Awareness of People Living With Disabilities

Bush Library and Museum to open access/ABILITY July 15

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University will open "access/ABILITY" July 15 in the museum's Ansary Gallery of American History. This exhibition is a highly interactive, yet sensitive disability awareness exhibit that delivers the message to children, parents and educators that as human beings, we are more alike than different.

At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act July 26, 1990, President George Bush stated, "With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom."

This unique exhibit presents people living with disabilities as participants in the world and features fun and engaging activities that show the similarities and differences in how each of us, with or without disabilities, go places, communicate, have fun, and learn.  Visitors will have a chance to learn phrases in American Sign Language, type their name in Braille, try a hand-pedaled bike and take part in a multi-sensory City Walk.

Throughout the exhibit, My Way kiosks introduce individuals living with disabilities who talk about themselves, their accomplishments, and how they overcome challenges in their lives.  A resource area provides a quiet space where visitors can learn more about disabilities through books and computer resources.

This exhibition was created by the Boston Children's Museum for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative and was funded in part by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation.

The exhibit is on display at the Bush Library and Museum through Sept. 30. For more information go to bushlibrary.tamu.edu/access.

About George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University is part of the National Archives and Records Administration's Presidential Libraries system. For more information, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu.

About Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live. It is a private, non-profit, educational institution that is recognized internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children's exhibitions, educational programs and curriculum. Boston Children's Museum incorporates two strategies – engaging families and building communities – to impact five outcome areas for children: Creative Kids, Curious Kids, Global Kids, Green Kids and Healthy Kids. More information about Boston Children's Museum can be found at www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic and cultural organizations and programs. The Foundation contributes to arts and cultural organizations, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broad audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information, please visit www.metlife.org.

Contact:
Will King 
Marketing and Communications Director
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
(979) 691-4069
[email protected]

SOURCE George Bush Presidential Library and Museum