A sensory-friendly Polar Express excursion to the North Pole at Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum makes the holidays more accessible. Sensory accommodations strive to make the holidays more accessible, especially for neurodiverse people.
Photo from Google
Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum Hosts Inclusive Holiday Magic with Sensory-Friendly
Henry “Harry” Lockwood, 8, with autism, first rode the sensory-friendly Polar Express. Neurodivergent people can be overwhelmed by crowds, lights, noises, and odors during the holidays. Harry’s mother, Pam Steiner, stressed the significance of confidence and anxiety-reduction methods like fidgets.
The B&O Railroad Museum provides a sensory map to anticipate sensory issues. The museum’s educational specialist, Lee Ann Spear, said the map features lighting changes, noisy portions, and character interactions. Noise-blocking headphones, fidget toys, and a sensory tent at the North Pole portion for sensory-sensitive guests. Help is also available from trained staff.my.clevelandclinic.org/…/23154-neurodivergent
Harry, who needs sensory stimulation, loved the Polar Express. Santa and dancing train workers make the ride fun. Harry liked the ride bells. After the journey, he was fatigued.
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B&O Railroad Museum’s Sensory-Friendly Holiday Experience
Harry’s parents took him to the sensory tent to relax on a beanbag before going home and ordering more hot chocolate. The tale shows how the museum helps people with sensory sensitivities enjoy the holidays without being overwhelmed.
The B&O Railroad Museum’s initiatives are part of a larger trend of organizations making holiday events accessible to everyone, making them more inclusive and pleasant for those with various sensory demands.
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