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OdySea Aquarium – Certified Autism Center

July 18, 2019 By Kara 18 Comments

OdySea Aquarium – Certified Autism Center

 

OdySea Aquarium is the first attraction in Arizona to be a Certified Autism Center! This means that visitors who have children with autism and other sensory differences, can enjoy and experience the aquarium in the best possible way.

 

OdySea Aquarium - Certified Autism Center - Phoenix Mom Blog

photo credit: Lauren Crites (OdySea)

 

 

“We know families with children on the autism spectrum often find it challenging when choosing an attraction to visit,” said Greg Charbeneau, Vice President and General Manager at OdySea Aquarium. “Our mission to connect visitors with the wonders of the ocean has no exclusions. We have always made the necessary accommodations to make all guests as comfortable as possible – on every visit.  This certification was a natural step for us as we continue to provide safe, engaging and memorable experiences for all of our guests.”

OdySea Aquarium was previously PAL certified and they hope their continued training will help parents know they want the aquarium to be an enjoyable experience for everyone!

 

About OdySea Aquarium:

 

OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, was recently voted Kids Best Indoor Entertainment.  This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than two million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. OdySea Aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life. OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit as well as two Stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool! OdySea is also home to Voyager, where guests take their seats in a stadium-seating style theatre with 46 ft. viewing windows for the “world’s only revolving aquarium experience.  Additional interactive activities include SeaTREK® underwater walking, a charismatic “Penguin Interaction Program”, “Shark Behind the Scenes” tours, walk-about “Animal Ambassadors”, and Question & Answer sessions with the Animal Care specialists.  It is located at 9500 E. Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, AZ 85256, in the OdySea in the Desert entertainment destination. OdySea Aquarium is open 365 days a year beginning at 9 a.m. Closing time varies; check website for up-to-date information. Admission tickets are available online and at the onsite box office.  For more information about the OdySea Aquarium, call 480-291-8000 or visit www.odyseaaquarium.com.

Filed Under: Play

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Comments

  1. Scott J DeNicola says

    August 2, 2019 at 11:14 am

    What a fantastic thing for a child with Autism to experience. Kudos to OdySea Aquarium for doing this! Love it !
    Scott J DeNicola recently posted…Patience: critical to your success in lifeMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Karen says

    August 2, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    This is phenomenal. I have a “child” – he’s 17 now, on the Autism Spectrum, and it was so hard to find accommodating attractions when he was younger. We found ways to make visits work to the zoo, science museum, and aquarium, but it would’ve been so helpful if those places helped by making accomodations!

    Reply
  3. Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women says

    August 2, 2019 at 3:19 pm

    It’s great that more and more, the awareness of the needs of those with autism is growing to the extent where large businesses like this aquarium make this commitment. Hopefully, many more attractions and businesses will follow in their footsteps.

    Reply
  4. Tracy C says

    August 2, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    How awesome! I’d love to read more about the accommodations they’ve made to make the aquarium more accessible for those with autism. I wish mainstream teachers had more training about this condition so that we could make appropriate changes if needed.

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth | Tired Mom Supermom says

    August 2, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    This is amazing for anyone to experience! What a beautiful place that is full of wonder and excitement.

    Reply
  6. Sarah Emery says

    August 2, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    Great post on bringing to light that OdySea Aquarium has no exclusions. Hopefully more and more businesses will follow suit.

    Reply
  7. Erica (The Prepping Wife) says

    August 3, 2019 at 4:51 am

    This is such a great thing to read about! I don’t know much about autism, honestly. But it is really great to see this kind of a business stepping out of the normal and making such accommodations to make it a great experience, even for those who are different. I hope to see more of this in the future!

    Reply
  8. Despite Pain says

    August 3, 2019 at 8:42 am

    This is so good. It’s a shame when children with autism or other disabilities miss out. Well done to OdySea for thinking of them.

    Reply
  9. Sonia Seivwright says

    August 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    This is brilliant. OdySea, well done. I am pleased to read out the work and how companies are actually doing something to help children with disabilities.

    Reply
  10. Lindsay Brown says

    August 4, 2019 at 6:15 pm

    What a wonderful option to have! I am so happy to hear that more businesses are accommodating for autism. I think it is so important for every child to experience these types of activities so it is great that OdySea has taken the leap to do so. I hope that more companies like this follow suit!

    Reply
  11. Alexandra Christensen says

    August 5, 2019 at 5:12 am

    I think this is so great! I have kids who have Sensory Processing Disorders and it is just awesome that people have come up with something like this for kids with special needs. I’m so glad you post places like this! Now to see if we have this in Florida!

    Reply
  12. Snehal says

    August 5, 2019 at 6:48 am

    Glad to know that there is a special aquarium for kids with autism to enjoy. And have a great experience! 🙂
    Snehal recently posted…Monsoon Makeup Hacks- 7 Tried and Tested Tips for Rainy SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Live Learn Better says

    August 5, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    Thank you for this wonderful info about great attractions with consideration for kids with special needs.

    Reply
  14. Kaye says

    August 5, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    I had no idea Arizona had the Top Aquarium!! I always thought it would be a place like Monterey Bay Aquarium–I’ve never been there but Discover channel is always outlining it, so I always assumed. I’m excited to learn about this one though, what a great place to beat the heat and provide quality education!

    Reply
  15. Charmaine Daisley says

    August 5, 2019 at 8:30 pm

    Hats off to OdySea for being an advocate for children with autism! I have first-hand insight into the sensory challenges of children with autism, and I’ve witnessed some intolerance in public spaces. So I’m always happy when there are moves like this one to create seamless inclusion and tolerance of all children.

    Reply
  16. Thuy says

    August 6, 2019 at 5:33 am

    I love the influx of Autism friendly venues and events at theatre nights and aquariums. It gives me hope that people are starting to understand Autism and are becoming more inclusive.

    Reply
  17. Lyosha says

    August 6, 2019 at 11:02 am

    I love aquariums! It is so beautiful! I never knew this place might be challenging for families with autistic members , it’s great they work to make a great place for such kids, it is very important
    Lyosha recently posted…Monday Bags for youMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Debra Roberts says

    August 6, 2019 at 11:31 am

    How awesome is that! My sister is raising her autistic grandson and I know she would love something like this to take him to. And who doesn’t love the beauty and serenity of aquariums!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Kara. I'm a mom of two boys and an Arizona native. I started Phoenix Mom Blog to share everything I love about Phoenix and the great state of Arizona. Follow along on my journey as we find the best places to shop, eat, stay and play!
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