MIA opens multi-sensory room during Autism Awareness Month

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 our latest effort to make the travel experience easier and more enjoyable for families with special needs children,” said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO. “We applaud the Miami Beat Team and the UM-NSU CARD for their efforts to bring this project from concept to reality.”

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.

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Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America’s third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and welcoming nearly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA’s vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.