The Texas State Aquarium will host its fourth Sensory Sensitive Sunday event April 7, offering select guests an experience tailored to the needs and comfort of local families that are facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorders and other sensory challenges.
The event, held as part of Aquarium’s ongoing Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, will feature sensory-friendly modifications, modified animal presentations and staff with sensory disorder training, all of which are designed to create a comfortable environment for families and their children who normally may not have the opportunity to enjoy public spaces like the Aquarium.
Music will be turned off in select areas, quiet zones will be provided in several spaces to give families a place to take a break and special signage will be placed throughout the Aquarium to inform families what to expect in a space, including lights, music changes and free-flying birds.
Support for the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is provided by support from the Blanche Davis Moore Foundation and grant from Driscoll Health Plan..
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) provided Autism and Other Spectrum Disorders Sensitivity Training for Aquarium staff, consulted the Aquarium on how experiences should be modified for families and shared the event with their clients.
To purchase tickets, interested parties can email Annie Vlach at avlach@txstateaq.org or visit The Texas State Aquarium website. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door on Sunday.
