Join Shelburne Museum for Sensory Friendly Fridays! On the third Friday of every month, May through October, we invite the community into the Museum before regular opening hours to view special exhibitions at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education in a light-and-sound-adjusted environment. Created in consultation with Inclusive Arts Vermont, this program for children, teens, and adults alike is designed to offer a positive museum-going experience for visitors with varying sensory processing differences. Know Before You Go resources, a limited number of noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and a private sitting room will be available for participant use. Pre-registration is required via Eventbrite or by contacting 802-985-0924 or events@shelburnemuseum.org.
Edaville Family Amusement park has gone above and beyond to accommodate children with autism and/or sensory concerns. They have installed a quiet room for children to access, trinkets to help kids wait in line, and have put in a sensory friendly bathroom.
Essex Cinema offers “Sensory Friendly” movies throughout the year. They turn the sound down, keep the lights up, and let individuals move and talk as during the movie. These are a wonderful way for children to enjoy a movie in a stress-free environment.
Check out their latest movies: Sensory Friendly Movies
Yes, the MLB has teamed up with Autism Speaks to offer particular baseball game “Sensory Friendly” and raise awareness for autism. Many of the Autism Awareness games will provide special opportunities and a safe, friendly environment for families and individuals affected by autism, allowing them to experience a game like never before. If you want to check out if your baseball team offers a game during April check out Major League Baseball.
Sesame Place is the first theme park in the United States to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. This means that their staff receives specialized training to cater to all children with special needs, they offer the Ride Accessibility Program, quiet rooms, noise cancelling headphones, low sensory areas, and much more. You definitely want to check out this great theme park!
Story Land has teamed up with Autism Speaks to offer a “Sensory Friendly” weekend in September. Many of the staff members at Story Land are getting trained on how to recognize, understand, and act compassionately when assisting families dealing with Autism in the Park. Check out Story Land & Autism Speaks
We recently went to Stowe and had a wonderful experience. From the lodging, activities, skiing, to the incredible staff; this is definitely a place that accommodates children with special needs.
The skiing at Stowe goes above and beyond to accommodate individuals with special needs. Stowe Adaptive is an incredible program that offers lessons and equipment to make sure that every individual can get out on the mountain. And Stowe also offers a “Buddy Pass”! Here is some great information that Donna Barton (Operation Manager) at Stowe offered:
The idea of the Buddy Pass is that if you are unable to meet the minimum Essential Eligibility Criteria, you qualify for our adaptive lesson program or the Buddy program. Check out the EEC requirements on their website.
In addition, here at Stowe…if you do not meet the minimum requirements of the EECs and you apply for a scholarship through Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports, you may be granted a scholarship to use toward lessons or access. For more information click here
Located in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, Tradewinds has been rated a top destination for families. It has specifically been recommended for families who are traveling with a cild who has special needs. As a designated special needs friendly resort by Be Friendlier, our staff undergoes continuous training to ensure we understand sensitivities, developmental disabilities and unique situations so we’re equipped to help. From room safety kits to gluten-free menu options, we take all of your needs into consideration so you can “Just Let Go!” Make sure to check out their wonderful kids program.
Did you know that if your child has a disability you can apply for an “Access Pass?” This pass allows your child and individuals they are traveling with (up to 3 people) get into all U.S. National Parks for free. This is a lifetime pass that provides admittance to more than 2000 recreational site managed by five Federal agencies.
You will need to submit an application and can either mail it in or stop by a facility that is listed on their website. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
To sign up for this amazing opportunity check out the website listed below. Look under “Access Pass.”