Salt Lake Airport unveils new sensory room for calming space

Salt Lake International Airport has just opened its first sensory room. This room is the first of three new sensory rooms designed to help travelers who need a quieter space. It is part of the airport’s efforts to make the environment more welcoming and supportive for all passengers. The new room is an important step toward providing a more inclusive experience for people with sensory challenges.

Designed with medical experts to meet sensory needs

The sensory room sits on the east side of Concourse A. Medical professionals and Kulture City, a nonprofit organization, helped design it. The room features comfortable bean bags, bright visual light panels, fun activity panels, calming air walls, and accessible seating for people with disabilities. The space helps passengers feel relaxed and comfortable in the busy airport environment.

Sensory bags with helpful items for travelers

For travelers who experience sensory overload, sensory bags are available. These bags include noise-canceling headphones to reduce loud sounds, fidget tools to help with focus, verbal cue cards to help with communication, and weight lap pads to help calm the body. These items are provided to help travelers manage their sensory needs during their time at the airport. The sensory bags are an important tool. They make the airport experience easier for those who need it.

Ongoing training for airport staff to recognize sensory overload

Airport staff will undergo yearly training to understand sensory overload and learn how to handle it. The goal is to make sure all employees can recognize when someone is having a sensory issue and know how to assist them. This training will help ensure that everyone can feel supported during their time at the airport. It’s another way Salt Lake International Airport is making travel easier for passengers with sensory needs.

Mayor highlights the importance of the new room

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall spoke about the new sensory room, saying, “Airports can be overwhelming, especially for travelers with sensory needs. We want the airport to work for everyone. This new space is one way we’re making that happen.” Her statement highlights the airport’s commitment to improving the travel experience for all passengers, no matter their specific needs.

The new sensory room helps people with challenges like autism, dementia, PTSD, and other conditions that affect sensory sensitivities. These travelers often struggle with overstimulation and noise in crowded places like airports. The sensory room provides a peaceful, calming space. Here they can take a break from the noise and stress of the airport. It’s an important step in creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all travelers.

Bill Wyatt, the executive director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, shared how the airport has been working for years to remove barriers for passengers with different abilities. “The new airport is designed to be adaptable and to accommodate people of all abilities,” said Wyatt. “We continue to make improvements to achieve this goal.” The opening of the sensory room is just one of many steps the airport is taking to make the airport experience better for everyone.