The Audubon Nature Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas, based in New Orleans, has become the first aquarium to be certified as sensory inclusive. The Nature Institute worked with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that helps effect change in the community for those with sensory differences, to ensure that their programs are inclusive and can address each visitor’s unique needs. As a result, they now offer “sensory bags” that include items such as “VIP” lanyards and noise-cancelling headphones, have created “quiet zones” for people who need a place to calm down, and have provided professional development training to their staff to better assist visitors. In addition, they’ve created social stories to help visitors know what to expect during their visit to their Aquarium and Zoo, which can be downloaded from their website. To learn more about the program, click here.