WILMINGTON, DE – December 17, 2025 – Informal STEM Learning (ISL) spaces—science centers, public gardens, children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, and more—help people explore science and nature in welcoming, hands-on ways. The American Public Gardens Association is proud to join a new project to improve access to our spaces in our communities. Beyond Access: Examining the implementation of approaches and tools in informal settings STEM learning environments including neurodivergent and intellectually, developmentally disabled individuals, will take an important next step toward making these environments more inviting for neurodivergent individuals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Building on the earlier project Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science (MoZAICS), this project will look at how existing strategies and resources can be adapted for and used by public gardens, science centers, and children’s museums. We’ll also explore how ISL organizations can better support inclusive employment pathways and workplace culture. People who are neurodivergent and people with IDD bring a wide range of strengths, perspectives, and ways of thinking that enrich organizations and contribute to inclusive, creative, and innovative environments. Beyond Access aims to help public gardens, zoos, aquariums, science centers, and children’s museums engage neurodivergent and IDD communities in making our informal STEM learning environments more successful and welcoming spaces for all visitors and staff.
Funded by the National Science Foundation (Award No. 2517287) and led by the STEM Research Center at Oregon State University, Beyond Access is a first of its kind partnership between the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE), and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Beyond Access will support a committed community of practice and foster belonging across ISL spaces for neurodivergent people and people with IDD.
About the American Public Gardens Association
Rooted in over eight decades of dedication, the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) champions and advances public gardens as global leaders in plant conservation, education, and appreciation. Guided by its core values—Cultivate Passion, Collaborate Authentically, Elevate Our Voice, and Grow Thoughtfully—APGA connects and empowers professionals through education, advocacy, and community. Representing more than 10,000 individuals across 600+ institutions in all 50 states and 20 countries, APGA’s members include botanic gardens, arboreta, zoos, museums, universities, cemeteries, and urban greenspaces worldwide.
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