Officials from Miami International Airport and the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) will host 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 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.
“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, “said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO.
