Accessibility Information
We at Mystic Aquarium work to ensure that all visitors find their experience enjoyable and welcoming by providing accessible facilities, grounds, and programming. If you have a question about a specific area of accessibility, please feel free to get in touch via "Contact Us" at the bottom of this page.
Accessibility at Mystic Aquarium
- Our buildings and grounds have been designed to provide access and quality experiences for guests with disabilities and those that require accommodations.
- We are continually working to make our facility fully accessible for guests who have mobility disabilities. We also have several wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis that are sanitized after each use. To request a wheelchair during your visit, ask any of our friendly front gate staff, who will arrange for one to be brought to you (subject to availability). While there is no fee to use this equipment, we will hold a credit card or driver’s license until the wheelchair is returned at the conclusion of your visit. Staff are available throughout our campus to assist guests with any questions, directions, or accommodation requests.
- Private spaces: Our Yale New Haven Health Family Lounge and First Aid Center serves as a multipurpose space for nursing, first aid, or as a sensory-friendly quiet room. This space is located within the Main Gallery; for access, visit the front office or ask any staff member. A private family and companion care restroom is located beside the Saltwater Café.
- If visiting with a personal care assistant or home health aid, your aid receives a complimentary general admission ticket. To reserve your tickets, please contact our admissions office at (860) 572-5955 x2 or admissions@mysticaquarium.org.
Service Animals
While pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on campus, we welcome service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act's regulations.
Service Animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
For the safety of you, your service dog and the animals in our care:
- A service dog is required to be under the control of the handler at all times. If either an aquarium animal or service dog are visibly upset or agitated by the others presence, the handler and service animal must move away from the habitat immediately. Signs of agitation include, but are not limited to: barking, growling, and jumping up on or lunging at other guests, habitats or staff members. Corrective action must be taken if the service animal is not behaving appropriately.
- A service dog is required to be on a leash, harness or tether while on Mystic Aquarium premises**
- Service dogs must be housebroken. If a service dog needs to relieve itself, handlers may exit campus temporarily at the admissions gate.
- Restrictions apply for encounter programs. Please call in advance before booking.
860-572-5955 x221
If the handler or service animal is unable to comply with the above code of conduct at any time, Mystic Aquarium reserves the right to require the animal’s removal from campus to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and animals in our care.
**For situations where an individual’s disability prevents having a service dog on a traditional leash, AND if the service dog is trained to respond to alternate effective means of control, then are they permitted in certain areas without a tether.
Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue
To better accommodate guests with sensory needs, the Aquarium is certified as a KultureCity location. Visit our Information Booth (or ask any of our friendly staff) to borrow a free KultureCity bag.
The Aquarium also has sensory signage throughout campus that designate Quiet Areas, indicating a quieter space for guests that may benefit from taking a break and Headphone Zones, indicating that sensitive guests may want to wear ear protection due to higher noise levels.
Mystic Aquarium staff have received additional KultureCity-training to enhance the guest experience for those with sensory differences.
Social Story
A social story is a learning tool that prepares an individual for an upcoming social experience, including expected sensory input and appropriate responses. Our social story describes the Aquarium and its sensory experiences, as well as helpful resources, so that individuals with sensory differences are prepared and able to experience a safe and enjoyable visit.
We offer three versions of the social story: an original version with text and photos of the aquarium, a modified version with universal symbol support and less text for youth users, and a version with only text for those who benefit from less visual distraction.
Version 1: Original Social Story
Version 2: Modified Social Story with Universal Symbol Support
Version 3: Social Story with Text (and fewer visual distractions)
Accomodations for Guests Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Our exhibits offer multiple interactive and touch experiences to provide a tactile experience for guests with low vision. Additionally, many exhibits are attended by staff who give educational talks and answer questions.
Through a partnership with CRISAccess, many habitats and exhibits offer scannable QR codes that allow guests to access audio information on their personal mobile devices.
We have sensory welcome touch bags available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those with low vision. The bags contain touch learning props with corresponding QR codes for audio information about the featured animals and their habitats. To request a sensory welcome bag, please inquire at our Information Booth or ask any friendly staff for assistance.
For more information and assistance planning your visit, please contact us at (860) 572-5955 or info@mysticaquarium.org.
Accommodations for Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
For information regarding assisted listening and sign language interpretation, please contact us at (860) 572-5955 or info@mysticaquarium.org. Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance of your date of visit.
Additional Experiences
Mystic Aquarium offers encounter programs (additional fees apply) that offer guests an up-close and personal experience with our animals and staff. For information on accomodations for our encounter programs, please contact our encounters office at (860) 572-5955 x221 or encounterprograms@mysticaquarium.org.
In addition, our education department offers a variety of programs for diverse audiences. For more information, please contact us at (860) 572-5955 x431 or educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org.
Partnerships
Mystic Aquarium is working in collaboration with the Institute for Human Centered Design to find ways to provide an inclusive experience for guests throughout the Aquarium and its exhibits.
Mystic Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to provide an enhanced and enjoyable experience for guests with sensory needs.