Atlanta’s Sensory-friendly Offerings Welcome All
ATLANTA (Dec. 4, 2018) – Atlanta continues to shine as a welcoming city for everyone as several attractions, sports teams and theatre performances offer sensory-friendly tools and programming for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sensory bags, altered performances and awareness training are among the steps taken to provide a comfortable experience for all visitors.
As the first sensory inclusive-certified attraction in Atlanta, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame partnered with KultureCity to teach its employees best practices when interacting with guests with ASD and provide kits to fulfill the needs of those visitors. The kits, which are free to use while at the attraction, include verbal cue cards, noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools. Weighted lap pads and designated quiet zones add to the amenities.
“From day one, we built the Hall of Fame to be a place where all college football fans can experience the legends, traditions and pageantry of the game in a welcoming environment,” said Dennis Adamovich, CEO, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. “Our attraction is interactive and engaging, and we want every person that comes through our doors to enjoy it in a comforting environment that allows them to have the best experience possible.”
Zoo Atlanta and Atlanta Hawks join the Hall with their own certified offerings to ease experiences while allowing visitors to enjoy their time with family and friends. State Farm Arena’s transformation makes the Hawks the first Southeast Division team to play in a sensory-friendly venue, and renovations to the arena added quiet zones, a sensory room and preferred entrances to accommodate all guests.
In addition to certified attractions, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts and Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta introduced sensory-friendly programming on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. Modified sound and light settings, special craft projects and required admission for crowd control allow these attractions to create their own welcoming environments. Detailed social stories and visitors' guides provide an in-depth preview of what children and families can expect when visiting the attractions.
For families interested in taking in theatre, Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse debuts its sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol this season. Actors introduce themselves and provide an example of costume changes and instrument use to prepare audience members. Extreme lighting and sound changes are eliminated for this performance.
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About Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves to favorably impact Atlanta’s economy through conventions and tourism. A private, not-for-profit organization, ACVB bolsters Atlanta’s $15 billion hospitality industry which generated 53 million visitors in 2017. Visit atlanta.net for more information.
Media contact
Lindsey Watts
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
404-521-6650
lwatts@atlanta.net