SANDUSKY, Ohio — Kalahari Resort in Sandusky is working to become sensory-friendly certified this year, according to the popular Northeast Ohio indoor waterpark.
Kalahari is working with Sensory City, an organization that is dedicated to helping children with disabilities, to become “Sensory Friendly Certified” by February.
The waterpark and resort will begin certifying its employees to accommodate adults, youth and children with sensory needs such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, PTSD and dementia, among others.
Once Kalahari is Sensory Friendly Certified, it will be the first resort of its kind to be fully certified in the Midwest.
In addition to the training, Kalahari has created a sensory room where individuals can find relief from an overstimulating environment.
Sensory kits, safety kits and comfort kits will also be supplied to guests by the resort upon request. The kits will include items such as noise-canceling headphones, communication boards for non-verbal guests, sensory toys, motion sensor door alarms, ID wristbands and weighted blankets.
“As a father of five, I know the challenge of family travel with a child on the autism spectrum, so it is a passion of mine to be able to provide this resource for families who are enjoying precious time together,” said Brian Shanle, general manager at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “Kalahari and its associates prioritize inclusion and meeting the needs of all of our guests, and this is just another way for us to offer a beyond-expectations experience.”
