Mission

• Create a climate of accessibility at the Meadowlands Environment Center that is welcoming to all students, including students with disabilities.
• Design and offer programs that are accessible to everyone.
• Change perceptions that students with disabilities cannot participate by conveying to schools that visits to the MEC are appropriate for all students.
• Develop an MEC staff of educators prepared to creatively and effectively work with students with disabilities.

Goals

• Provide field experiences based in the Meadowlands marsh ecosystem as an extension of classroom learning.
• Address NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for science through field experiences and related learning objectives.
• Provide opportunities for students to:
• experience science as educational and enjoyable, and
• view themselves as scientists exploring the Meadowlands ecosystem.
• Include all students in hands-on learning through accommodations and assistive technologies
• Provide opportunities for students to develop skills in operating tools and equipment used in science and field experiences (e.g. binoculars, digital camera, digital recorders, microscopes, measurement instruments, archaeological tools).
• Provide computer lab experiences for students to use computer assistive technologies for observing, recording, and documenting field experiences. Provide alternative activities to document fieldwork for students unable to participate in or benefit from computer lab session.
• Provide the foundation for students to develop and ongoing connection with the MEC and the Meadowlands marsh ecosystem, as visitors who will repeatedly return with school or family, and as life-long learners.