Newport Aquarium Exhibit Interpreter Marty Harris lives with extremely low vision due to a retina disorder called Cone Dystrophy, but that doesn’t stop her from connecting with guests and telling them about the animals. One day, Marty had an unforgettable experience while working in Stingray Hideaway. There, she met a family with three young, visually impaired children who also live with Cone Dystrophy and helped the family create a memory they’ll never forget. We thank Marty for making the wonders of the sea even more accessible for this family and countless others by helping to create Vision Loss Day. Vision Loss Day is an annual fall event at the aquarium for the vision-loss community with special interpretation, including spoken descriptions, tactile artifacts, and animal touch experiences.

“My family and I were able to attend Adventure Aquarium’s F.I.S.H. night on Saturday (family inclusive sensory hours), and I just wanted to thank you for providing these opportunities to those who require things just a bit different from others. We have been to the aquarium many times as we are continuing season pass holders. Our trips have recently been more difficult after my daughter was diagnosed with Autism. With fewer crowds, more light, and much less noise, our whole family can now enjoy the aquarium experience much more!”

Kristen

The Vancouver Aquarium recently started hosting sensory-sensitive events where they dim the lights and audio levels around the aquarium and hand out free comfort kits with noise-blocking ear protectors, fidget toys, instructive cue cards, and a photographic activity guide to create a more sensory-friendly environment for guests. The staff from Canucks Autism Network are also on hand with information about their services and programs.

Silver Dollar City recently created an official Calming Space for those visiting the park with sensory sensitivities. The space includes comforting colors, soft seating, low lighting, books, sensory toys, and a crash pad. “The Calming Space’s focal point is a large textured wall, built by Silver Dollar City craftsmen to portray the Frisco Silver Dollar Train. There are dimensional layers of smooth and rougher surfaces, artificial grass, wood for the railroad ties, stone for the tunnel, and glass beads for the sky.”

Jessica Loftis, Silver Dollar City project manager

In July, Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country hosted Sensory Sensitive Hours, with more than 350 combined guests enjoying minimum sounds in The Village and Country Fair areas, special “quiet” train rides, and no music, waves, or waterfalls in the wave pool, Lazy River, and Little Creek areas. Dollywood’s VP of Safety and Security, Evan Schukman, experienced guests’ appreciation firsthand – “As the first silent train returned, a mom stepped off to the side while her son ran over to go play with the team and the parachute. As he giggled, she looked on in tears. I thought something was wrong, so I asked if she needed anything. Her response was: ‘This has been the best day ever. It’s the first time I’ve gotten a photo of my son in public without his earmuffs. It’s his first time riding the train, the first time riding the carousel, and it’s the first time he’s ‘joined’ a group on his own to play. I just want you to know that today is the first time he’s been able to be a kid like all the other kids, and it means more to my family and me than you will ever know.”