Accessibility Dedicated Web Page Makes Planning Experiences Easy, Including ASD-Friendly Shows at the Broward Center for the Performing Art
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 12, 2023) - Visit Lauderdale, a champion of accessibility, now has a dedicated landing page for visitors with special needs. This specialized site helps visitors with special needs plan their trip, with a list of hotels, attractions, theaters, beaches and transportation providers. This commitment goes above and beyond Visit Lauderdale’s Platinum Charter and Destination A11Y Club membership with Travelability, an organization dedicated to working hand-in-hand with the travel industry to improve travel experiences for people with disabilities.
Visit Lauderdale’s aim to amplify understanding during Autism Awareness Month in April, builds on their already strong commitment to accessibility by offering a variety of options for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It also helps their families play a pivotal role in helping them explore the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.
“Travel can be an enriching experience for people of all ages and abilities, and it is no different for individuals with autism,” said Gray. “By providing a path for those with ASD to explore new places, cultures, and experiences, their social and communication skills, confidence and overall wellbeing are vastly improved.”
Searching for a discreet way to request help or extra time when traveling through the airport? The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has a solution. Their Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program helps those with visible and invisible disabilities, including learning difficulties, mental health, mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments, do just that. Guests of FLL airport can easily opt into this voluntary program in advance of their travel dates by requesting a lanyard or pin to be worn by both them and their caretakers.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Offers Accessible, ASD-Friendly Shows
To welcome those with ASD, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts created an entire Sensory Season for children and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities. The shows feature slight adjustments to the productions, such as reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights, and minimal special effects. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated a Quiet Room with specially trained volunteers to provide audience support. Helpful resources such as a video about what to expect when attending a live performance and a character guide for the show are available on the event page at the BrowardCenter.org.
Upcoming shows include two interactive concerts by Brazilian Voices in the Abdo New River Room on Saturday, May 6 at 2 and 5 p.m., and a performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. in the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m.
Additionally, the 2nd Annual Future FLO’ristic FUNclusion experience for children, family and friends returns to the Broward Center for its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 20 at 3 p.m. in the Abdo New River Room. Hosted by QuickThePoet & Yesse Leyva, this Quick2Love Foundation, Inc & (DPT) Disability Programs and Training Partnership brings an extraordinary experience and showcase, featuring a fashion show, live music arts, and spoken word performances by BIPOC artists & artists with and without disabilities.
The Broward Center will also present an All-Abilities Broadway Blast in the JM Family Studio Theater on Sunday, April 23 at 11 a.m. No experience is necessary to enjoy this interactive and engaging arts program for those age 16 and older on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals with other developmental disabilities. Teaching artists TJ Tekurio and Tammy Holder will lead an engaging and educational Broadway program where participants get to sing, dance and act, even if they have never done so before. All abilities classes are made possible through the generous support of the Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support. Tickets for class participants are $10 and those accompanying them can network with others over refreshments during the class.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, area hotels and resorts. Find more information and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.