Georgia Aquarium, the Western hemisphere’s largest aquarium, is KultureCity’s 2022 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year. KultureCity is the nation’s leading non-profit working towards sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. The award was presented at the annual KultureBall in Birmingham, AL. on August 27, 2022.

“Through our partnership with KultureCity we’ve expanded our sensory-inclusive offerings, trained more staff, and recognized what we can continuously do to offer the best experience.

Georgia Aquarium is certified Sensory Inclusive™ by KultureCity. Aquarium staff are trained by leading medical professionals on how to help guests with a sensory overload situation. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress, and other similar conditions.

“We are honored to receive KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Venue Award for 2022. We are dedicated to sharing the wonders of the aquatic world with all our guests, regardless of abilities,” said Anthony Rivera, Senior Vice President of Operations and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium. “Through our partnership with KultureCity we’ve expanded our sensory-inclusive offerings, trained more staff, and recognized what we can continuously do to offer the best experience.”

The Aquarium offers a wide range of sensory-inclusive amenities to all guests, of all abilities. In 2020, the Aquarium partnered with KultureCity to plan and debut the Wilkins Rhodes Sensory Room. The sensory room is for guests who may need a quieter, smaller, or more secure environment during their visit to the Aquarium. The space was designed by KultureCity medical professionals and is equipped with sensory tools and privacy. Guests can access the sensory room by using the passcode located next to the door. The room is available during all operating hours, every day, and is a free offering.

“I still remember the opening day of the Georgia Aquarium; I was a teenager and my family drove 5 hours to support the newest and largest aquarium. Since then, I have made countless visits. To know that families from across the nation and world can enjoy Georgia Aquarium is truly heart-warming! The commitment from the entire staff at the Aquarium has been amazing. We are honored to partner and award Georgia Aquarium with this and hope families will be able to enjoy the sensory inclusive experience for years to come,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director at KultureCity.

Including the Wilkins Rhodes sensory room, Georgia Aquarium’s additional sensory amenities include:

• Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. These bags are available free of charge to all guests and are available at the Aquarium’s Information Desk.
• Designated sensory hours with low lighting, limited sounds, and further limited capacity. Check the Aquarium’s website for operating hours.
• Quiet Zones in galleries

Prior to visiting a venue or event, families can download the free KultureCity App and view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also on the app is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying Georgia Aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium, named the first aquarium to earn Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation in 2018, has extended their efforts to welcome all visitors, including those with sensory needs.

The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), must be renewed every two years to ensure staff are current on training and best practices. In addition to training additional staff members through IBCCES, the Aquarium will host Sensory Friendly hours from 8-10 a.m. on the last Sunday of every month. During this time, the Aquarium will allow guests to navigate exhibits within an altered setting for optimal guest experience. During this special entry, all audio and visual screens will be turned off and lighting lowered. Guests can also take advantage of the Aquarium’s sensory bags and social story to assist guests during their visit at any time during the day or year.

“Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We are happy to have received reaccreditation and look forward to applying this training in a way that will allow us to continue to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide,” said Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and attractions industry. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Georgia Aquarium to serve ALL guests, including those with autism and sensory needs who are currently underserved but are such an important part of our community,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Paige Hale, Senior Manager of Communications at Georgia Aquarium
media@georgiaaquarium.org

Meredith Tekin, President of IBCCES
904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534
meredith@ibcces.org

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing vacation locales and attractions to visit a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase is a generic term that does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they review search for options.

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide

While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and industry leaders such as Georgia Aquarium are working to change that.

“Our goal is to partner with the leading travel destinations in the world to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.