Discovery World raises awareness for autism

Photo provided
Gathered recently around a Parkersburg Police Department vehicle with an Autism Awareness wrap are from left, Discovery World on Market board members Scott Seese, Torie Jackson, Karen Waller and Tres Ross; Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce; Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board; Discovery World on Market board member Mike Townsend; Parkersburg Police Lt. Beniah Depue; Discovery World on Market Executive Director Wendy Shriver; and Matheny Motors General Manager Mick Ward.

PARKERSBURG — Discovery World on Market is working with local businesses to make it easier for active-duty military members, veterans and their families to attend the interactive children’s museum and to raise awareness about autism.

Discovery World is partnering with Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, to offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families as a Blue Star Museum.

A collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense and participating museums, the 2024 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, May 18, and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 2.

A list of participating museums can be found online at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, to sponsor museum admission for active-duty military families,” said Wendy Shriver, executive director of Discovery World on Market. “As a registered Blue Star Museum, Parkersburg will be listed on the map as a destination for military families looking to visit our children’s museum for free this summer.

“In addition, Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, is expanding the reach to also cover admission for any veteran and their family to Discovery World on Market during this timeframe by showing their credentials,” she said.

Founder and CEO Jan Dils said the law firm is “delighted to be able to give back by sponsoring free museum admission for our military families.

“This is a wonderful museum for children with fun exhibits and educational benefits for all,” she said.

The free admission program is available for those serving in the United States military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force; members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps; and up to five family members.

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. Veterans must present their Military ID and/or DD214 for entrance.

The museum will also be providing free sensory kits, while supplies last, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month in April with the help of Matheny Motors. Discovery World on Market hosts Sensitive Play Time for parents with children with any type of sensory needs or special accommodations on the first Wednesday of each month from 4-5:30 p.m.

“Matheny Motors has employees with children on the autism spectrum, but our support extends beyond our dealership family,” said Monica Matheny, with Matheny Motors. “We have also been inspired by Whitney Price, finance manager at Matheny Ford in St. Marys, who is also raising a son with autism. In her off hours, she leads a parental support group, Unpuzzled Parents, which has been a tremendous educational tool and support system for other families in the community.

“As members of the (Discovery World) board, my husband, Tim Matheny, and I have seen firsthand that the museum is a place where children of all emotional care needs can find an educational spark that will guide and comfort them throughout their lives,” she said. “We are proud to support Autism Acceptance Month, and we hope you will join us in celebrating the potential of every child.”

Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board, who joined museum officials for the announcement, said the department has been “working diligently to incorporate Autism specific curriculum into our training and leadership programs.”

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said that training is necessary “to keep the public and our officers safe in any situation.”

“Additionally, I cannot thank Matheny Motors and Discovery World on Market enough for their commitment to Parkersburg and the Mid-Ohio Valley; organizations such as this are a critical part of what make Parkersburg and West Virginia a special place,” he said.