On Thursday, Nov. 7, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering another of its occasional events for guests with sensory-processing differences — but instead of the usual “Sensory-Friendly Morning,” the aquarium is hosting a “Sensory-Friendly Evening.”
— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium
During “Sensory-Friendly” events, the aquarium makes simple changes — such as dimming lights and muting louder sounds — to offer guests with sensory-processing differences a fun, comfortable and accepting environment.
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
Lights will be dimmed and sounds muted as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk presents a “Sensory-Friendly Evening” on Thursday, Nov. 7.
On Nov. 7, the aquarium will close at the normal time of 5 p.m. but reopen from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with discounted admission, lighting lowered and sounds turned down or off. A “quiet room” will be available for guests that need a place to calm.
In the IMAX® Theater, the movie “Born to Be Wild” will be shown at 7 p.m. with the volume lowered and the theater lights dimmed less than usual.
The Maritime Aquarium’s “Sensory-Friendly” events are offered several times a year, after being designed with input from staff members who have children and siblings with special needs. Training of aquarium staff and volunteers was conducted by Cooperative Educational Services in Trumbull (CES).
Reduced admission for the “Sensory-Friendly Evening” on Nov. 7 (including the IMAX movie) is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), and $10 for children (3-12). Children under 3 are free.
Besides offering occasional “sensory-friendly” events, the Maritime Aquarium recently partnered with 10 other attractions in Fairfield County on an initiative to be more accommodating to guests with special needs. Information on planning a visit to any of the 11 sites can be found on a new website: www.accessibilityforallct.org.
For more details about the popular Connecticut family attraction’s events, exhibits, programs and IMAX movies, call (203) 852-0700 or go to the aquarium website.