Birch Aquarium is KultureCity Certified!

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego was recently certified as a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue! KultureCity is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. With its new certification, Birch Aquarium is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting the aquarium.

Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance. Sensory needs are common medical conditions in which the brain has difficulty processing information it gets from senses. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive program, provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. 

“We're one of the first locations in San Diego to be certified which is exciting. It's another way to welcome people from the community to Birch Aquarium,” said Shelly Moak, Guest Services Assistant Manager. “It really helps that if I'm feeling overwhelmed I know where to go and who to ask for help. And it's important to know that this isn't just for kids, but for all ages.”

The certification process entailed the staff at Birch Aquarium being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will also be available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

Prior to visiting the aquarium, families can download the free KultureCity App to learn what sensory features are available and where they can access them. The App also includes a Social Story which provides a preview of what to expect while visiting Birch Aquarium. 

Highlights of Birch Aquarium’s Social Story include planning for a visit before arrival and what to expect in terms of interacting with staff members and how to navigate the aquarium during their visit. It also includes information about the sensory bags and designated “quiet spaces” in the aquarium, which are labeled to make them easy to find throughout the building. Guests can also find a preview of animals they might encounter and opportunities to learn, as well as notes about the type of sensory experiences they can expect including bright lights and smells. These details can help prepare someone for a visit and create a way to better communicate their needs with staff.