The Aquarium of the Pacific has been certified as a sensory-inclusive venue by KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that certifies venues and events as welcoming for those with kinesthetic needs or invisible disabilities.
“The Aquarium aims to be an inclusive and welcoming place for people to explore and learn about the ocean. Partnering with KultureCity gives us the tools to improve experiences for people with sensory needs,” said Emily Yam, Aquarium of the Pacific’s director of learning and public engagement, in a statement.
KultureCity defines sensory needs as a common medical condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information coming through the senses.
During the certification process, aquarium staff was trained in practices that emphasized sensory inclusivity. The aquarium also features designated headphone zones and quiet zones.
Visitors can also pick up free sensory bags that contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads from the Member Services desk before heading to the aquarium’s designated headphone and quiet zones.
According to KultureCity, one in six individuals has a sensory need, and they can be experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder and several other conditions.
Visitors can download the free KultureCity app to see the new sensory features, where they can be accessed at the venue and a preview of what can be expected before visiting the aquarium.
A few other features the aquarium offers include a downloadable audio tour, a braille visitor guide, virtual touch technology within the Honda Pacific Visions Theater and Epson smart glasses with closed captioning.
To learn more about the Aquarium’s KultureCity certification and amenities for visitors with sensory needs visit venue.kulturecity.org/venues/aquarium-of-the-pacific.
