Noah's Ark will host Sensory Days in 2023, joining others in offering sensory-friendly experiences

Wisconsin Dells waterpark Noah's Ark has announced three Sensory Days events this summer, on June 26, July 17 and Aug. 14.

On those days, the park will open at 9 a.m. — an hour before opening to the general public — to families with members who have sensory needs, such as sensory processing disorder or autism.

The early opening will allow families to explore the park and go on rides in a less crowded environment. Additionally, some of the loud and visually stimulating bells and whistles of the park will be minimized during that time, and there will be designated quiet areas.

Noah's Ark recently collaborated with the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin to train the park's staff on best practices in communication, accommodations and understanding the needs and behaviors of people who have sensory needs.

The waterpark plans on making Sensory Days an annual event, according to a news release.

Over the past few years, many other entertainment and cultural venues have made sensory-friendly accommodations. Here are some examples in the Milwaukee area:

• Fiserv Forum has been accredited as a sensory inclusive venue by nonprofit organization KultureCity and has dedicated sensory rooms and sensory bags with things like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys.
• American Family Field also has been certified as a sensory inclusive venue by KultureCity and has sensory bags available during Brewers games as well as a designated quiet area.
• The Milwaukee Public Museum has a dedicated sensory room as well as an app that guides people with sensory sensitivities toward the best exhibits for their needs and away from the exhibits that might overwhelm them.
• The Milwaukee County Zoo has been accredited as a sensory inclusive venue and has sensory bags as well as designated quiet areas.
• Discovery World has been accredited as a sensory inclusive venue and has sensory bags, quiet areas, headphone zones (where people are advised to put on their headphones) and an app with a social story to prepare people for their visit to Discovery World.
• Betty Brinn Children's Museum holds several sensory-friendly sessions throughout the year and has a sensory-friendly map and app with social stories to help people navigate a sensory-friendly trip to the museum.

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