Special Needs
We are committed to making The Tech accessible to our community. This guide is designed to help make your visit more enjoyable.
This guide is also available as a PDF download. 
41k PDF file (Adobe Acrobat Required)
Parking
There is parking for vehicles with disabled parking permits on South Market Street, near the main entrance of The Tech.
Restrooms
There are wheelchair accessible restrooms on each level.
Wheelchairs
Free wheelchairs may be obtained from the Security Office on the Ground Level. A form of ID must be left with Security while the wheelchair is in use. Wheelchairs are subject to availability. They may not be reserved before your visit. The museum and IMAX theater are wheelchair accessible except for the exhibits noted in this guide
Elevator
The elevator is located near the escalators.
IMAX Dome Theater
There are 4 semi-ambulatory seats, and 4 wheelchair spaces in the theater, with adjacent companion seats. When the theater is very busy, we cannot guarantee that parties will be seated together. Staff will escort visitors to these seats from the elevator. If you need assistance, please notify IMAX staff at least 20 minutes before show time.
Services for visitors with special needs
Service dogs are welcome in all areas of The Tech. When you make a reservation for 20 or more people by calling (408) 795-6101 or online at www.thetech.org, please describe any special needs your group may have. Printed scripts of the featured IMAX films and audio tour of the exhibits are available at the Information/Membership Desk on the Ground Level.
Exhibit Galleries
The Tech includes over 240 interactive, hands-on exhibits about leading-edge technologies that affect our daily lives. The exhibits listed below have modified, difficult, or no access to people using wheelchairs.
Upper Level
Innovation Gallery
3D Scanner
Life Tech Gallery
Transformations
Virtual Bobsled - Ask a staff person for cable extensions, which allow people in wheelchairs to steer the bobsled.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Lower Level
Exploration Gallery
Shake Platform - Earthquake simulator makes rapid, jarring movements. Secure wheelchair brakes before the simulation begins.
Deep Flight
Jet Pack Simulator
Helpful Hints
- Please allow at least 2 hours for your visit.
- Call (408) 795-6264 at least two weeks before you visit if you have special requirements.
- Weekday mornings are usually busy, with many school field trips and youth groups. We recommend you plan your visit for a weekday afternoon or weekend morning if you wish to avoid crowds or need extra time or assistance with the exhibits.
- Discounted parking is available for all Tech visitors in the public garage at Second and San Carlos streets.
