We just returned from a trip to Seward, Alaska and had such and amazing time. We particularly appreciated having a sensory-friendly experience while at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Such a great discovery for our two autistic kids.
I visited the SeaLife Center with my kids last year while their dad was on a charter fishing trip. We had a nice experience but it was incredibly overwhelming for them. Part of this was due to the huge crowd of people visiting that day and part of it was just that they always get overstimulated when we go to places like this.
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I was so grateful this year when a staff member mentioned to me that the center had sensory-friendly backpacks available at the front desk for anyone needing extra sensory assistance. My son was starting to get a little overstimulated then and we wanted to stay another hour to see the seals get fed so I went ahead and approached the front desk about getting one.
I am SO grateful I did! It made the rest of our time there so much easier and less stressful for him.
Interested in learning more about this program that the SeaLife Center offers? Read on!
About the Program:
In 2022, the Alaska SeaLife Center became the first Sensory Inclusive Certified organization in the State of Alaska. The organization worked with KultureCity to create the Sensory Inclusion Initiative. This program trains staff to recognize, understand, and assist guests with sensory regulation challenges (often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions).
The Sensory Inclusion Initiative Resources:
The Sensory Inclusion Initiative program at Alaska SeaLife Center has several resources available to help guests with sensory needs – some are online and some are available onsite:
Online Accessibility Information:
The Alaska SeaLife Center website has several online resources to help those planning a trip. The website offers access to an social story specifically for your visit to the SeaLife Center, a PDF of the center's Headphone Zone map, and a link to download the KultureCity app (on Google Play or in the Apple Store) for access to a social story and sensory-friendly features while at the Center.
The Alaska SeaLife Center Social Story:
The interactive social story on the Center's website is fantastic. It uses real photos from the SeaLife Center to show guests what their visit will look like – starting with arriving at the building, through each exhibit area, and ending with leaving the facility.
The Alaska SeaLife Center Headphone Zone Map:
Things can get a little loud at the SeaLife Center so reviewing this Headphone Zone map before going can help prepare you for when and where headphones might be used for a better experience. Look for the black “Headphone Zone” symbol on the map to identify the more auditorily overwhelming places at the facility.
Sensory-Friendly Backpacks:
These are absolutely worth taking the time to ask for one. When you stop at the front desk to buy or show your tickets, ask for a sensory-friendly backpack. You will have to leave a valid form of picture ID (which you will get back when you return the bag).
Inside the bag are:
- a set of headphones
- several fidget toys/tools
- a Headphone Zone map
- a Feelings cue card
- a Needs cue card
- a VIP lanyard
The headphones are sized for children/youth and are a basic noise-dampening model. My son loved these and wore them the entire time. When the building is crowded, the smaller exhibit areas can get pretty loud so having this resource is great.
In our backpack, we had three sensory toys/tools: a stretchy string, a wacky tracks, and a mesh tube with a marble. My kids are both partial to the stretchy string so that got used the entire time we were there.
There is also a laminated copy of the Headphone Zone map in the backpack. This is nice if you didn't get to see a copy it beforehand and/or don't want to use the app or website to find it.
The Feelings cue card is laminated and a nice addition to the bag. It can be used by a non- or low-verbal guest to express how they are feeling at that moment. They can simply point to the picture of the emotion they are experiencing and you'll be able to assist them from there.
Another great resource in the backpack is the Needs cue card – it's on the reverse of the laminated Feelings cue card. This card works as a simple pictograph showing several common needs (headphones, fidget, lap pad, sunglasses, a break, or a snack). Headphones and fidgets are included in the backpack, the lap pad is available at the front desk, and you'll need to provide your own sunglasses and snacks.
The last item in the sensory-friendly backpack is the VIP lanyard. This is easily slipped over the head of the sensory-needing guest and shows staff at a glance that they may require extra patience and/or assistance.
Weighted Lap Pad:
In addition to the sensory-friendly backpack, visitors can request a weighted lap pad for those who need deep pressuring. There is only one pad available and it is at the front desk. You will have to leave a valid form of picture ID (which you will get back when you return the pad).
Other Resources:
Look for the “Headphone Zone” signs around the facility to indicate where a guest may have auditory issues and need to wear headphones. The signs are black and match the “Headphone Zone” symbols on the map.
There is an unofficial sensory-friendly spot at the SeaLife Center for overwhelmed guests to take a moment and regroup. It's a wide hallway/passage area next to the restrooms and Discovery Lab on the second floor (to the right and down the hallway as you exit the escalator).
We were so pleased to find out about the Sensory Inclusion Initiative at Alaska SeaLife Center and all the resources they have for guests with sensory issues. I hope when you plan your next visit to Seward, Alaska with your neurodivergent child that you'll make sure to stop by the SeaLife Center and fully enjoy everything they have to offer.
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