In Residence through Tuesday, August 26

Throughout history, the voices and experiences of people with disabilities have often been overlooked or erased. Visibility of Disability seeks to shine a light on both the obstacles and the triumphs that individuals with disabilities have faced—and continue to face. This powerful exhibit invites able-bodied and neurotypical visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and perspectives within the disability community.

Black and white photo of Judy Heumann speaking into a microphone.

Known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” Judy Heumann was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

The exhibit features:

  • Trailblazers: Stories of activists, advocates, inventors, and leaders who advanced the disability rights movement
  • Adaptive Tools: Historical and modern assistive devices, mobility aids, communication tools and innovations in accessibility.
  • Representation through Toys: Inclusive toys and media depictions, demonstrate the role of visibility in shaping perceptions.
A Barbie with Down Syndrome wearing a short dress with blue and yellow flowers still in the original packaging.

Mattel introduced its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome in April 2023. This doll was part of the Fashionistas line and was designed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

This exhibit features hands-on activities that help visitors understand different experiences of people with disabilities. Children can try navigating a wheelchair over surfaces like carpet and gravel, use headphones to experience how background noise affects communication, and wear glasses that simulate various low vision conditions. Activities also explore color blindness. These experiences are designed to build empathy and promote understanding. Kids can also think like inventors, imagining how to improve tools for greater accessibility. A video of Viscardi’s AI House and a dollhouse with ramps and other features show real-world inclusive design.

An adaptive tool used with a clamp holding a drum stick and a large button being pressed by a hand.

This adaptive drumstick helps kids play the drums without needing to use full strength. It’s designed to support those who need extra help to make music and have fun!

This exhibit is a collaboration between the Long Island Children’s Museum and the Museum of Disability History at The Viscardi Center.

 

Coming Fall 2025: The Museum of Disability History
Located within the Kornreich Institute for Disability Studies on The Viscardi Center campus in Albertson, New York, the Museum of Disability History is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of the disability community. Its mission is to serve as an archival and cultural hub that promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Through exhibits, archives, and educational programs, the museum fosters dialogue and discovery, helping to build a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive world for all.