The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has unveiled a new Sensory Room dedicated to neurodivergent travelers and their families. The space, designed to provide a tranquil environment, features different areas tailored to the needs of those who might find the traditional bustling hub of an airport overwhelming. SFO's initiative is a nod towards inclusivity, offering an 'Activity Area' with options to engage both digitally and analog, a 'Calming/Soothing Area' for quiet reflection, and a 'Cabin Experience' that simulates an aircraft interior for passengers to familiarize themselves with the environment of a flight before takeoff.
In a statement to the press, Airport Director Ivar C. Satero emphasized the airport's commitment to accessibility, stating, as per the San Francisco International Airport, "Our mission is to deliver an airport experience that puts people first, and our first-ever Sensory Room demonstrates our commitment to make SFO easier, less stressful and more accessible for all passengers." The unique amenity results from benchmarking global facilities and consulting with the UCSF Children’s Hospital and The Arc San Francisco. With The Arc San Francisco, SFO created air travel rehearsal experiences tailored for Neurodivergent travelers in the Sensory Room, now providing this experience anytime available.
Located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, the Sensory Room is accessible post-security, and travelers can reach it from any SFO terminal via connecting walkways. It's open daily between the hours of 5:00am and 11:00pm. Notably, the room will operate without staff, potentially allowing families and individuals to use the space without the pressure of observation or assistance unless specifically sought out.
