Accessibility Options

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Space Center Houston wants everyone to be able to visit and enjoy our center.

For more information or specific questions about accessibility options, please contact us at accessibility@spacecenter.org or +1 281-244-2147. For assistance in reserving tickets for a group of 20 or more please contact us at reservations@spacecenter.org or +1 281-283-4755.

Certified Autism Center

Space Center Houston strives to ensure that the nonprofit is an accessible and accepting destination. That essential work has been recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The science and space exploration learning center is the first of its kind to be designated as a Certified Autism Center by the IBCCES.

The certification process involves rigorous training for staff, inspections and improvements that enable Space Center Houston to better welcome and accommodate guests with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory and cognitive challenges.

On July 26, Space Center Houston honored the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by signing the ADA Proclamation, reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and celebrating continued progress within accessibility communities. As a center we strive to create an environment supportive for each of our guests and follow the ADA mission.

General Accessibility

Restrooms: Restrooms throughout the center are accessible for guests with disabilities. Family restrooms are available in The Food Lab. An adult changing area is available upon request.
Nursing mother’s room
- A nursing room is available for mothers who feel more comfortable with a private, secure place to nurse.
- The nursing room is located between The Food Lab and the Space Center Theater entrance in Astronaut Gallery.
- Space Center Houston does not restrict nursing in public spaces in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Title 2 Chapter and Section 165.002 “A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.”

Special Events

Sensory Friendly Events are offered periodically with reduced stimulus from lights, sounds and crowds. Click here to learn more and buy tickets for our Sensory Friendly Events.

Space Center U® Visual Impairment Program is a challenging three-day program held weekdays for visually impaired students ages 15-18. Click here to learn more and register for the Space Center University visual impairment program.

Accessibility Resources

We provide a variety of resources to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of your experience at Space Center Houston.

Stellar Discovery Guide (PDF): a photo guide and social story to help you plan your visit
Sensory Guides – provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
Sensory backpacks are available to check out at the Guest Services Desk. The backpacks include sound-reduction headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, books and guides.

Map and Guide: Download the Space Center Houston app for an interactive map and guide or pick up a free Map and Guide available in the following languages at the Guest Services Desk or download a PDF version on our website.

Autism and Sensory Accessibility

Space Center Houston can be an overwhelming experience for those with autism or sensory integration disorders. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sensory soothing tools.
We offer Sensory Friendly Events with reduced stimulus from lights, sounds and crowds. These events include specialized activities offered by trained educators.
Sensory backpacks are available to check out at the Guest Service Desk. The backpacks include sound-reduction headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, books and guides.
Stellar Discovery Guide (PDF): a photo guide and social story to help you plan your visit
Designated Quiet Room available upon request.
Sensory Guides – provided by International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

- Morphis simulator ride

Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Accessibility Telecoil

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are may be requested with two weeks notice. Contact accessibility@spacecenter.org in advance to request an interpreter and our team will connect with you to discuss what is possible. Upon arriving for your visit, go to the Guest Services Desk.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) services are provided at many Space Center Houston events. Guests attending Space Center Houston events can contact accessibility@spacecenter.org to inquire whether these services are planned, or to request services with two week notice.
Download the Space Center Houston app for an interactive map and guide.
Please note that we do not have a script for the Mission Briefing Center live NASA Mission presentations because the presentations change daily to keep up with NASA missions.
The Mission Briefing Center utilizes induction loop technology. Please switch your hearing aid to the T-position in this theater.
Most visual displays at Space Center Houston are captioned.

Visual Accessibility

Aira Free – enjoy unlimited Aira access during your visit.
Tactile learning opportunities are available through our Guest Services Team. Contact accessibility@spacecenter.org.
Download the Space Center Houston app for an interactive map and guide.

Physical Accessibility

Parking: Accessible parking is located near the entrance and at a separate side lot located near the picnic area on the left of the main building (while facing the entrance). All parking is $10 per vehicle.
Tour access: All NASA Tram Tour trams and Level 9 Tour buses are equipped with lifts. Guests may request this service from a crew member at the boarding location.
Center access: All Space Center Houston theaters, exhibits and attractions are wheelchair-accessible, including Breakfast with an Astronaut and Independence Plaza. All theaters have ground-level entrances.
Equipment: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available at the Guest Services Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restrooms: Restrooms throughout the center are accessible to guests with disabilities.

Service Animals

Space Center Houston defines “service animal” with the same language used in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act:
- Under ADA and Texas laws, emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed at Space Center Houston.
- Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
In order to bring a service animal to Space Center Houston:
- The dog must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless the device interferes with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents the use of the harness.
- Service dogs are permitted in all exhibits and attractions at Space Center Houston except the motion simulator rides. That exception is due to safety concerns for both our guests and service animals.
- For more information on service animals, please see:

Education Programs

In accordance with the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Space Center Houston will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability.
Space Center Houston will not exclude a child with a disability from its programs unless: (a) the child requires a modification to participate, and that modification constitutes a fundamental alteration of the program; or (b) the child would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. This determination must be made on a case-by-case basis.
Parents of children with special needs should indicate their child’s special needs on the Medical Information Form (due to Space Center Houston five (5) business days prior to the first day of the program).
Once a parent indicates that their child has a disability, impairment or condition, a representative from the Space Center Houston education staff will contact the parent to discuss reasonable accommodations for the child.
Space Center Houston provides age-appropriate education programs for students in grades kindergarten through 12th and adults. To learn more about our education programs, click here.

Accessibility Options

Certified Autism Center

General Accessibility

Special Events

Accessibility Resources

Autism and Sensory Accessibility

Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Accessibility Telecoil

Visual Accessibility

Physical Accessibility

Service Animals

Education Programs

Accessibility Photo Gallery

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

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