My Visit to the New England Aquarium: A Day of Joy, Reflection, and Reality
Intro:
You ever visit a place from your childhood and instantly feel all those old memories rushing back? That’s exactly how I felt when I recently visited the New England Aquarium in Boston. It had been years since I’d been there, and I was so excited, like, genuine “kid on a field trip” excited. But this time, visiting as an adult and as someone living with a disability, my experience came with a mix of joy, reflection, and a reminder of how much work still needs to be done when it comes to accessibility.
When I first arrived, I was thrilled, the atmosphere, the sounds of the water, the chatter of families and kids pointing at penguins, it all brought me back. But then something unexpected happened. The staff let me know that wheelchair users get in for free.
At first, I smiled and thought, “Wow, that’s really nice!” But then the reason behind it sank in, it’s because there’s no access to the top floor. No elevator, no ramp, no way for wheelchair users to see the entire aquarium experience.
And that honestly hit me in a weird way.
On one hand, I appreciated that they acknowledge the inaccessibility by offering free admission. But on the other hand, it’s 2025, and I couldn’t help but think, how is it possible that a major Boston attraction still hasn’t made a way for wheelchair users to explore all levels?
We live in a world with advanced technology, inclusive design trends, and growing disability awareness, yet, somehow, accessibility in public spaces still lags behind. I wasn’t angry, just a little disheartened. It’s one of those moments where you smile and say, “thank you,” but deep down, you wish you didn’t have to be the exception to the rule.
Despite that, I still had a great time. The aquarium is beautiful, the sea turtles, stingrays, and all those colorful fish swimming by are truly mesmerizing. The energy in the building was so positive and family-friendly. It reminded me why I love exploring Boston, even with the challenges that come with it.
But it also reminded me that accessibility is more than just physical design, it’s emotional, too. It’s about belonging. It’s about not having to feel like an afterthought in spaces meant for everyone.
So yes, my visit was a mix of excitement, appreciation, and reality. Another reminder of the ongoing work we have to do as a community to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the full experience, not just part of it.
Closing Reflection:
If you’ve ever visited a place that brought up similar feelings, joy mixed with a little bit of frustration, I’d love to hear about it. These conversations matter, because sharing our stories helps others see the gaps that still exist and inspires change.
Let’s keep raising awareness, one experience at a time 💙