- This event has passed.
November 17, 2020 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
$254
Museum and Attraction designers and leaders strive to create welcoming, inclusive destinations that are enriching and enjoyable for everyone. However, due to the natural behavior of other guests and crowds, interior and exterior lighting, acoustics, the vastness or intimacy of designed spaces, and many other factors, attractions can be overwhelming or frightening for individuals with cognitive disabilities. The fear of encountering these negative stimuli can convince an individual with one of these disabilities to never visit a museum or theme park with their family or friends; or having experienced such an encounter, become devoutly against such destinations.
In this IAAPA 2020 session moderated by PGAV Destinations Vice President Diane Lochner, we’ll use an academic and empathetic lens to explore the conditions and needs of populations with PTSD, autism, down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, dementia, and other conditions that can affect learning, such as ADD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. We will examine numerous case studies from across the country, such as Conner Prairie, the St. Louis Aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, Clearwater Aquarium, and more to share best practices in how destinations can advance their attraction design, staff training, and public programming to become more inclusive of the population. These industry leaders have put into place real strategies to make experiences accessible and positive for all visitors.
Panelists
- Norman Burns, President & CEO of Conner Prairie, will showcase the new program, hosting Memory Cafes, for people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
- Tami Brown, Executive Director at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, will present their new Certified Sensory Inclusive facility.
- Brandon Thom, Vice President of Operation at Adventure Island, will discuss SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Sesame Place, the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.
- Dr. Courtney Fox specializes in working with military and veteran populations with conditions such as PTSD.
