CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – On Sunday, April 9 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., the Texas State Aquarium (TSA) will host its second Sensory Sensitive Sundays event, providing an experience tailored to the needs and comfort of local families 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, such as lights, music changes, and free-flying birds.
TSA partnered with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) to hold the event. 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.
Support for the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is provided in part by a grant from the Coastal Bend Community Foundation and the Driscoll Health Plan.
The Texas State Aquarium plans to hold another Sensory Sensitive Sundays event in the near future, although a date is currently undecided.
To purchase tickets, interested parties can call 361-881-1381 or email avlach@txstateaq.org.
