Sensory inclusive room opened at Birmingham's airport
A new room designed to offer a calming experience is now available to certain travellers at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
A ribbon-cutting was held today to unveil the new Sensory Room at the airport.
The sensory inclusive room is located on Concourse B post-security, and features soft lighting from a bubbling water wall, touchable activity panels and bean bag chairs.
The space allows for a quiet and secure place to allow people to take a break and calm down from over-stimulation caused by crowds, harsh lights, smells and loud noises.
“We know that air travel can often be a stressful and overwhelming experience for individuals with autism or other sensory sensitivities,” said Sylvester Lavender, Birmingham Airport Authority’s Interim President and CEO. “The opening of our Sensory Room is one of the ways we’re showing our commitment to all passengers by making time spent at BHM an easy, convenient, comfortable, and calming experience. We hope this new room will aid in breaking down the barriers that can prevent families from flying.”
Birmingham is the first U.S. airport to have a true sensory inclusive room designed for folks with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions.