Museums educate and unite. People usually become more tolerant observing expositional halls. Physically challenged people also visit museums. They are unique for us, that is why a special programme “Ships for Unique People” was elaborated. It helps to broaden children’s worldview, reveal their creative potential and contribute to equality. For many years the museum has been cooperating with special institutions for physically challenged children. Adapted excursions and museum lessons are specially created for such children; concerts and meetings with interesting people are held. Here they are equal and it is the most important.

“Ships for Unique People” is a long-term project aimed at solving social problems physically challenged children meet and raising their civil status by enlarging their social contacts. The museum is an ideal place for implementation of this project. The basis is acknowledgement with nature, in particular with the ocean. Lessons for physically challenged children with participation of healthy children broaden their worldview, probably help to determine future profession and, of course, fill in gaps in communication. The museum cooperates with specialists from Kaliningrad Regional Institute of Education Development, teachers from boarding school for visually impaired children and the Centre of restorative medicine and rehabilitation.

Innovations and classics are used during the lessons. Children study in the Children’s centre “Ocean”, in the aquarium hall, aboard the ships and in the exhibition halls. Lessons are held according to individual schedule.

Curator: Svetlana Yarets, research officer of museum pedagogics sector