Last week, Magan, MindsEye’s Director of Audio Description and ADA Coordinator, met up with Kaylia, the Science Center’s Manager of Special Exhibitions and Featured Experiences to have a roaring good time at the SUE exhibit!
Since MindsEye doesn’t currently have anything scheduled with the Science Center, you may think there isn’t anything accessible for you. Well, you’re wrong! While the SUE exhibit doesn’t expressly have audio description, it does have a lot of really cool features that would be really fun for folks who are blind or partially sighted. What’s even better, is if you come with a group, we can work to make some small changes to give you an even better experience.
First, there are a lot of things to touch! This exhibit is unique because there are so many features you can really get your hands on, including this tyrannosaurus rex skull. In this photo, Kaylia runs her hand down one of the giant teeth. There is currently a sign in front of it, but it can be moved to give you better access.
There are several of these backlit elements that are completely touchable. This one is the bones of a narrow T. rex arm. You can run your fingers from the curved tip, around the V-shaped “hand” with two fingers, all the way up to the elbow. The bright light creates a high contrast with the tactile, but if it’s too bright, it can be adjusted for a better experience.
Not satisfied with touching bones? Well, how about touching a replica of dinosaur skin? Or feeling inside the wound of a dinosaur as it’s been being devoured by Sue herself? Unlike most displays similar to this one, you’re welcome to touch the giant dinosaur reproduction.
Not only are there tactile elements to run your hands over, but there is even a spot where you can lean on your elbows and feel the vibration in your body of SUE’s roar. I felt it all through my chest and down to my toes!
Second, there are so many things to hear! When you enter the exhibit, you hear roars and rustlings of Sue and other friends and enemies. This comes from a video that plays scenes of dinosaur life. While this isn’t described, it is more just for ambiance and for more authentic background noise.
The more interesting sound is the narration of SUE’s skeleton—the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. The narrator explains different parts of the body as lights spotlight the area. For people with some vision, this may be helpful to direct your attention.
Third, so many things to smell! Yep, that’s correct. This exhibit even has things to smell. In this photo, Kaylia bends over an open panel with a flower painted on the side. Next to her is another closed oval smelling box with ginger root.
But fair warning! Not all the smells are good! In this photo, I’m bending over as I open a panel shaped like Sue’s head. The sign above says, “Sue’s breath, the scent of death.”
The second photo catches me as I have just pulled quickly away and slammed the dino’s mouth shut. My nose is wrinkled, my eyes are squinting, my hair is disheveled. It’s not a pretty picture, but SUE’s breath wasn’t a pretty smell.
These are some of the things you can experience at the SUE exhibit if you go on your own or with friends or family. This is great fun, but if you come in a group, you can have even more fun! While there are normally no individual or group tours available for the SUE exhibit, the amazing Science Center staff will work in conjunction with MindsEye to create a tour for your blind or partially sighted club, team, or organization. Not a part of any of those? Don’t worry! Get a group of your friends together! Create your OWN group of blind or partially sighted folks and reach out to Kaylia and the Group Visits team at the link below. Be sure to mention MindsEye and your desire for a tour specifically designed for visitors who are blind or partially sighted.
I had a great time hanging out with Kaylia and SUE at SUE: The T. rex Experience. I hope you will check it out! While admittance to the Science Center is free, this is a paid exhibit, but it’s well worth the $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. And don’t forget, if you come with a group, you can get a group discount!
While you’re there, head over to the Planetarium where there are some exhibits with Braille signage and many more touchable items, including a replica of the McDonnell Planetarium.
The closest Metrolink stop is the Central West End, but several buses run in Forest Park. The nearest Metrobus stops are just outside the building on Oakland for the #59 bus, both east and westbound.