Accessibility Information

Entering Mount Vernon via the Ford Orientation Center:

• Please visit Mount Vernon's reopening information page for safety policies and procedures. 
• When you arrive at Mount Vernon, please purchase admission at the ticket window. If you have purchased tickets online, then your group may proceed directly to enter the Ford Orientation Center.
• A Mount Vernon staff member will inspect each bag upon entry to the estate. If anyone in your group has difficulty waiting, you are welcome to bring fidgets, music headphones, a manipulative toy or other equipment your child needs. If you do not bring a bag, you will not need to undergo bag inspection.  View bag inspection policy and a list of prohibited items.
• Mount Vernon is currently requiring all bags brought onto the estate to be clear plastic bags. This will allow our team to safely conduct bag checks during this period. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items as well as items for infants and small children after inspection by a Mount Vernon staff person upon entry. Please review safety policies and procedures for more information. 
• The Ford Orientation Center is a large open space with big windows. Some of the floor spaces are marble and some are carpeted.
• This building can be incredibly busy and loud. Occasionally, the orientation film will be announced on the speaker system. The film is about 25 minutes long and is has loud moments. You are welcome to skip this experience.

Floor spaces and paths:

• In the historic area, there are brick and gravel paths. Both the brick and gravel paths vary in evenness.
• If it is raining, the gravel path may become muddy and the bricks can be slippery.
• In Mansion, the floors guests pass through are carpeted. The first floor of the Mansion is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, portions of the second floor are dark and tight. If anyone in your group is not able to or is not comfortable with visiting the second floor, they may wait on the first floor.
• The buildings that guests pass through to exit the estate have both marble and carpeted floor spaces.
• Near the exit by the food court, the marble floor is in the design of a map of the estate.

Quiet Spaces

• While Mount Vernon does not have a permanent sensory break space, if anyone in your party needs a quiet space for a break, please ask a Mount Vernon staff member where an appropriate location would be.

Noise

• Mount Vernon has many animals, which may make noises without notice. Animals are relocated throughout the Estate seasonally, check with Mount Vernon staff should you wish to find them or avoid them during your visit.
• The Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center exhibits have varying noise levels. Throughout both exhibits, there are films for guests to watch. Films such as Be Washington and the Revolutionary War Theater are extremely loud. Please note that due to health and safety concerns, Mount Vernon's theaters are closed.

Lighting

• Light levels in the Museum & Education Center exhibits will vary in brightness. Some areas contain video, as well as flashing lights.
• Light levels in the Mansion will vary by time of day and season.

Restrooms

• Restrooms are available throughout the estate. Please note that the hand dryers in the restrooms are very loud.
• While there is no designated public family/companion care restroom, two first aid rooms are available for guests who may need companion care. One is in the historic area and one is located near the estate exit by the Food Court Pavilion. Please ask a Mount Vernon staff member for access to either room.

Other safety information:

• Please note that the Pioneer Farm Site and the Wharf are adjacent to the bank of the Potomac River. In the interest of safety, guests are not permitted to step past the rope line along the riverbank. If you would like to avoid the river while visiting the farm, please consider approaching the farm via the guest shuttle and requesting to stop by the 16-sided barn. Alternatively, guests are welcome to use the Forest Trail, which is not wheelchair accessible.

• Please check the calendar prior to your visit to confirm the schedule of daily activities and tours, as some are available for specific days and times. The daily schedule is subject to change.
• Guests are welcomed to use the I Spy Scavenger Hunt to keep track of what they see during the visit.
• Please visit our Sensory Friendly Family Morning page if you are searching for information specific to that program.