The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is hosting a special event, Sensory Sea Life, designed to accommodate kids, families and visitors of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other sensory needs, who would like to learn more about marine life and experience the Discovery Center in a sensory modified setting.
The Discovery Center will alter its Exhibit Gallery to provide a limited sensory stimulation experience for children and visitors with special needs by reducing the number of guests allowed as well as eliminating sound and video to reduce sensory inputs.
Upon arrival, a limited number of sensory-friendly bags will be on loan at check-in to utilize during the event. The bags will contain sound-blocking headphones, sunglasses and hand-engaging tools, all designed to create a more tranquil environment. The event will begin with a group reading of the book Ocean Life by Jill McDonald. Guests are then welcomed to freely explore the Discovery Center’s interactive stations designed to educate and inspire through stimulating sensory-based activities. Each station will be set up to encourage exploration and participation in hands-on activities and crafting to gain a better understanding of the variety of life in the ocean without feeling overwhelmed.
Organized by Tampa Bay Watch