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Texas State Aquarium to host Sensory Sensitive Sunday

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The Texas State Aquarium will host its third Sensory Sensitive Sunday event 9 to 11 a.m. September 16, offering select guests an experience tailored to the needs and comfort of local families that are facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorders and other sensory challenges.

The event, held as part of Aquarium’s ongoing Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, will feature sensory-friendly modifications, modified animal presentations and staff with sensory disorder training, all of which are designed to create a comfortable environment for families and their children who normally may not have the opportunity to enjoy public spaces like the Aquarium.

Music will be turned off in select areas, quiet zones will be provided in several spaces to give families a place to take a break and special signage will be placed throughout the Aquarium to inform families what to expect in a space, including lights, music changes and free-flying birds.

Support for the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is provided in part by a partnership with the Driscoll Health Plan and a grant from the Coastal Bend Community Foundation.

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) provided Autism and Other Spectrum Disorders Sensitivity Training for Aquarium staff, consulted the Aquarium on how experiences should be modified for families and shared the event with their clients.

To purchase tickets, interested parties can email Annie Vlach at avlach@txstateaq.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door on September 16.