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Lynn Meadows Discovery Center offers monthly sensory-friendly mornings for families

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center offers monthly sensory-friendly mornings for families Lynn Meadows Discovery Center hosts Sensory Sunday on the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. (wlox)
By Ava Schwing

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Lynn Meadows Discovery Center hosted a monthly Sensory Sunday event on Sunday, giving children with disabilities and other sensory needs a quieter, calmer museum experience with fewer crowds.

Keri McAllister drove from Slidell for her family's second Sensory Sunday. (WLOX)

A calmer morning for families

Keri McAllister drove from Slidell for her family’s second Sensory Sunday. She said the event eases the stress that typically comes with a museum visit.

“I can know, like right now, I just feel so calm. I’m not worried about all of the overstimulation and the tons of different people and so it’s really been great to have that as a parent. It feels very comfortable and comforting,” McAllister said.

Before the museum opens for Sensory Sunday, staff dim the lights, lower sound levels and stock sensory bags. (WLOX)

She said the sensory bags provided at the event have been especially helpful for her daughter.

“We love the bags that they give that have the headphones and the fidget toys. I know my daughter has liked that option to have that if she felt like she needed that,” McAllister said.

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Children explore exhibits freely

Penton said the goal is to create a space where every child and family feels welcome. (WLOX)

McAllister’s son, Luke, said his favorite area is the space exhibit and that he dreams of becoming an astronaut. Her daughter Hailey said the quieter environment helps her focus.

“I like how, every Sunday on Sensory Sundays, it’s really quiet and there’s not a lot of people to distract us,” Hailey McAllister said.

Luke also spoke about the museum itself.

“I really like that they built this place because it’s really fun and it can help kids learn about stuff and creations if they want to grow up and create stuff,” he said.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center hosts a monthly Sensory Sunday event, giving children with disabilities and other sensory needs a quieter, calmer museum experience with fewer crowds. (WLOX)

Staff prepare before doors open

Before the museum opens for Sensory Sunday, staff dim the lights, lower sound levels and stock sensory bags. Museum manager Haylie Penton said the event serves a broader purpose.

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“We think it’s really important because not only does it allow children who are on the spectrum to have a place to play, it also sheds light on knowing that not everybody is the same and everybody has different needs. And we try to meet all of the needs of the community,” Penton said.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center hosts Sensory Sunday the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. (WLOX)

Penton said the goal is to create a space where every child and family feels welcome.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center hosts Sensory Sunday on the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon.

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