Miami International Airport, Florida, has opened a new multi-sensory room to enhance the travel experience for young passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities such as autism.
Located beyond Concourse D, the room includes sensory-soothing fixtures such as an aquatic bubble tub, wall puzzles, cushioned seats and a light projector, all within a dimly lit space.
The room was created through a partnership between the airport and the Miami Beat Team from Leadership Miami’s Class of 2018, in consultation with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Three Miami Beat Team members are Miami Airport employees.
Lester Sola, director and CEO, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, said, “The multi-sensory room is our latest effort to make the travel experience easier and more enjoyable for families with special needs children. We applaud the Miami Beat Team and the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern CARD for their efforts to bring this project from concept to reality.”
The multi-sensory room is part of Miami’s Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) program, which provides tours and materials to families with special-needs children.
