Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2023

COAST NOTE
story and photos courtesy of Mississippi Aquarium
KultureCity® has partnered with Mississippi Aquarium to make this location sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.
The certification process ensures that the staff at Mississippi Aquarium are trained annually on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. KultureCity® Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards will be available at the photo station inside Changing Tides to guests who may feel overwhelmed by this new environment (supplies limited).
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can be a major part of the environment at a location like the touch pools. With its new certification, Mississippi Aquarium is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download
the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them, including Quiet Areas, where to get a KultureCity® Sensory Bag, where the Headphone Zones are, etc. Also on the app is the Social Story, which will provide a customized visual preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to Mississippi Aquarium.
“Our communities shape our lives and to know that Mississippi Aquarium is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in community experiences is amazing,” says KultureCity® Executive Director Uma Srivastava. “We’re honored to partner with Mississippi Aquarium to provide a truly inclusive experience for all guests!”
KultureCity® is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity® has created over 1,000 Sensory InclusiveTM public and private services, organizations, events and venues in six countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl,
NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend.
12 | November 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living