Miami airport opens sensory-friendly room for children with disabilities

MIAMI (FOX 13) - Traveling can be stressful for anyone, but it can be overwhelming for children with special needs.

Miami International Airport announced they are debuting a "multi-sensory room" in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

The room is meant to provide a quiet area for young passengers with cognitive or developmental disabilities, giving them a relaxing environment as they travel.

There are sensory-soothing fixtures in the dimly lit room, including an aquatic bubble tub, wall puzzles, cushioned seats and a light projector.

Starting Friday, the room will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Concourse D.

The new room is part of the airport's MIAair program, which provides tours and materials to families with special-needs children. The multi-sensory room was created in a partnership with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.

FOX 13 reported on this story from Tampa.