Making the Aquarium Inclusive for Visitors with Sensory Needs

For guests with sensory processing needs and people with autism who might have sensory differences, the sights, sounds, and smells at the Aquarium—from the din of conversation to the vocalizing of penguins or food cooking in the cafe—could be overwhelming.  

To better welcome the diverse community of guests who come through our doors, the New England Aquarium teamed up with KultureCity, an organization that works to “create sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities, to become a Sensory Inclusive™ venue.  

As part of the Aquarium’s Sensory Inclusive™ certification, frontline staff are trained to recognize and accommodate sensory differences. Guests can also borrow sensory-inclusive bags with headphones, fidgets, and “feelings and needs” cards to help them feel more comfortable and communicate their needs. A weighted lap pad is also available for use, which might benefit some guests by providing extra sensory input, particularly while watching a movie at the Simons Theatre or a presentation in the Marine Mammal Center. 

“Often, guests come in with their own packs, but if they don’t, the cards we have might show faces that aren’t all smiling, for example,” said Meghan-Elizabeth Foster, a senior educator in the Conservation Learning department at the Aquarium. The cards, if shown, help staff ask the right questions, such as “Are you feeling sad or is there something you need? Do you need headphones? Do you need a fidget? Do you need a break? They’ve been used for non-verbal communication,” she said. 

The sensory-inclusive bags are free of charge, and anyone can access them by providing an ID. Visitors who would like a sensory-inclusive bag can visit the Information Desk in the Main Building lobby or speak with staff in our Exploration Station on the third floor of the Aquarium. Guests in the Simons Theatre can also request headphones or a weighted lap pad to use while enjoying a film.  

For additional support, said Meghan-Elizabeth, “the Aquarium has social stories guests can access.” A social story is a narrative that illustrates different scenarios and challenges and offers ways that people might deal with them. Using the KultureCity site or through the app, visitors can find the New England Aquarium’s social story and view pictures along with text to help prepare them for their visit, Meghan-Elizabeth explained. Social stories are also available in Spanish and French to accommodate visitors who speak those languages.  

In addition to the sensory-inclusive bags and social stories, there are designated spaces where visitors seeking a quiet space can take a break, including the lower level of the West Wing or the first aid room, which is available to anyone in need of a private space.  

“We just want people to know there are resources available for people who need them,” Meghan-Elizabeth said.