MIA opens multi-sensory room during Autism Awareness Month
Quiet space for children with special needs is one of the first in the U.S.
On April 19, officials from Miami International Airport and the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) hosted a grand opening ceremony for MIA’s Multi-Sensory Room – a quiet area for young passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities such as autism that provides a relaxing environment during the travel experience. Two families with special needs children were also in attendance for the grand opening.
Located just beyond Concourse D TSA security checkpoint #4, 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, which will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., was created through a partnership between MIA and the Miami Beat Team from Leadership Miami’s Class of 2018, in consultation with UM-NSU CARD. Three Miami Beat Team members are MIA employees.
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 UM-NSU CARD for their efforts to bring this project from concept to reality.
The Multi-Sensory Room is part of MIA’s Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) program, which provides tours and materials to families with special-needs children so that anyone – regardless of their disability - can experience the magic and wonder of flight.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).