“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Seattle Aquarium is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”
The Seattle Aquarium is happy to announce that, as part of our work to fulfill our “Inclusive Community” value, we’ve partnered with KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.
People affected by sensory need/processing issues find noises, smells, lights and even crowds not only overwhelming from a sensory perspective but also sometimes physically painful. Because of this, these people often find themselves isolated from the community.
Our objective at the Aquarium is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests, including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our team members with continuous training and offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests:
- Aquarium staff members and volunteers have received training on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
- Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, are available for check-out at our Guest Services desk to those who may feel overwhelmed by the environment (items will be sanitized after each use for health and safety).
- Signage has been installed identifying louder areas of the Aquarium where guests may want to use noise-canceling headphones.
We’re excited to complete this process and increase Aquarium accessibility for all. Download the KultureCity all-inclusive app for iOs or Android to get the Seattle Aquarium’s social story for further assistance with your visit—plus, discover other zoos, aquariums, cultural institutions and businesses across the country that have been certified by KultureCity.
