BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The National Corvette Museum has added a new feature to create a more inclusive experience for guests. 

The National Corvette Museum and The Motorsport Park teamed up with the non-profit KultureCity, last winter, to become a sensory certified attraction. KultureCity specializes in providing inclusive experiences for children and adults who suffer from sensory processing disorders or have trouble responding to environmental information coming through one of the five senses.

Re-opening their doors just a few weeks ago, the museum and motor park now offer sensory bags that include items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards, and a weighted laptop. Signs have also been placed throughout the museum that shows sensory options for various attractions and a designated “quiet area” has been placed in the museum library and archives for guests who made need to take a break. 

Museum Education Coordinator, Deb Howard, says that this new resource has been added to cater to all guests. “The sensory bag is not just for children it’s also for adults. People tend to assume that it’s for children, particularly children with autism, but that’s not it. The bags are meant for adults and children who not only have autism but maybe someone who comes in with anxiety issues or maybe someone who comes in with PTSD, someone who has Parkinson's or dementia." 

Over 80 percent of the museum and motorsports staff has completed the necessary training modules to learn how to recognize individuals who may have sensory issues. 

You can find the museum and park on the KultureCity app. The app includes attractions from across the nation that are sensory inclusive. Guests can also find a visual social story that helps prepare the individual and or family for their visit. 

“Lots of people have sensory needs that we’re not even aware of, but we want to have the tools available so when they come to the museum or the Motorsports Park, they feel welcome and comfortable and they can enjoy the experience just like everyone else,” said Howard.