A New Sensory Inclusion Program at Walters Art Museum Will Help Sensory Need Visitors

With its new sensory inclusion program, visitors with sensory needs can now have a positive experience

Walters Art Museum partners with KultureCity to create a sensory inclusion program that will help visitors with sensory needs have a positive experience.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

In an effort to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, the Walters Art Museum has partnered with KultureCity, a leading non-profit organization, to become a sensory-inclusive institution. This partnership aims to ensure that individuals with sensory needs, regardless of age or ability, can have a positive and accommodating experience when visiting the museum.

Sensory Inclusion at the Walters

The certification process involves training museum staff and volunteers to recognize visitors with sensory needs and effectively handle situations involving sensory overload. By collaborating with medical professionals, the Walters Art Museum ensures that their team is well-equipped to provide the necessary support and assistance.

As part of the sensory inclusion initiative, the museum offers KultureCity Sensory Bags to guests who may feel overwhelmed during their visit. These bags contain various items designed to enhance the comfort of individuals with sensory sensitivities. Noise-canceling headphones, provided by Puro Sound Labs, help reduce auditory stimulation. Fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and a KCVIP lanyard are also in the bags. In addition, weighted lap pads are available for use in the auditorium and can be obtained at the Center Street Visitor Experience desk.

Addressing Sensory Sensitivities

Colleen Lyons Oyler, the Manager of Visitor Experience at the Walters, expresses the museum’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. She believes that the partnership with KultureCity serves as a powerful tool to guide them in supporting visitors with sensory needs, resulting in moments of inspiration throughout the museum. The certification requirements mark the beginning of the museum’s efforts to embed accessibility considerations in all aspects of its operations. “Expanding accessibility is an institutional goal for the Walters and these certification requirements are just the beginning as we continually work to embed accessibility considerations across the museum,” she said.

Individuals with conditions such as autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar disorders often experience sensory sensitivities and challenges. The Walters Art Museum acknowledges that sensitivity to overstimulation and noise can present barriers for these individuals when visiting cultural institutions. However, with its new certification, the museum has enhanced its preparedness to assist visitors with sensory sensitivities in ensuring the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.

An Inclusive Experience for All

Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity, expresses her appreciation for the Walters’ commitment to inclusivity. She commends the museum for going the extra mile to ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, feels included in community experiences. The partnership between KultureCity and the Walters Art Museum aims to provide a truly inclusive experience for all visitors. “We’re honored to partner with the Walters to provide a truly inclusive experience for all visitors,” Srivastava said. 

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To further assist families and individuals in planning their visit, the Walters Art Museum encourages the use of the free KultureCity App. This app allows users to explore the sensory features available at the museum and provides information on how to access them. Visitors can also learn how to obtain a KultureCity Sensory Bag during their visit. Additionally, the app includes a Social Story, which offers a customized visual preview of what to expect while using KultureCity materials at the Walters.

Situated in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters Art Museum is a cultural hub with a collection spanning over seven millennia. With 36,000 objects from around the world, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic treasures. Visitors can explore everything from ancient Roman sarcophagi to stunning French garden paintings, mesmerizing Ethiopian icons, illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, and serene images of the Buddha. As part of this commitment, admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free.

Join the Sensory Inclusive Movement

KultureCity, as a leading non-profit organization, has been instrumental in promoting sensory inclusivity across various public and private services, organizations, events, and venues. Their efforts extend beyond individuals with autism, aiming to create a more inclusive society for all individuals with sensory needs. The organization has received numerous awards in recognition of its impactful work.

The partnership between the Walters Art Museum and KultureCity is a significant step toward promoting sensory inclusivity in cultural institutions. The Walters Art Museum strives to ensure a positive and accommodating experience for all visitors by training and equipping the museum staff to support individuals with sensory needs. Through initiatives like providing KultureCity Sensory Bags and utilizing the KultureCity App, the museum is actively working towards its goal of expanding accessibility. By embracing sensory inclusivity, the Walters Art Museum sets an example for other institutions to follow, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming society.

Walter’s Sensory Inclusion Program FAQs

How can I obtain a KultureCity Sensory Bag at the Walters Art Museum?

A. To obtain a KultureCity Sensory Bag, you can visit the Center Street Visitor Experience desk during your visit to the museum.

What does the KultureCity Sensory Bag include?

A. The KultureCity Sensory Bag contains noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and a KCVIP lanyard to enhance the comfort of individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Are weighted lap pads available at the museum?

Yes, weighted lap pads are available for use in the auditorium. You can request them at the Center Street Visitor Experience desk.

How can I plan my visit to the Walters Art Museum with sensory needs in mind?

A. You can download the free KultureCity App, which provides information on the sensory features available at the museum and offers a customized visual preview of the experience. The app also explains how to obtain a KultureCity Sensory Bag.

Q. What is the mission of the Walters Art Museum?

A. The mission of the Walters Art Museum is to bring art and people together, creating a place where individuals from all backgrounds can experience art. Admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free.