Altitude Trampoline Park in Kissimmee has announced that it will be featuring a Sensory Friendly Tuesday (SFT) program to establish a recreational time for individuals with autism and related conditions to enhance the lives of individuals and their families.
“All individuals and/or groups who struggle with sensory stimulation are encouraged to come and jump with us,” says general manager Dawn Roberts. “We are incredibly excited about creating an accessible and inclusive space for local kids.”
Learn more about Sensory Friendly Tuesday and how Altitude Kissimmee developed this program.
Why Are Sensory Friendly Events Important?
Each year, the scientific community learns more about autism and autism-related conditions. Medical professionals are better able to identify key indicators so parents, friends, and teachers can learn how to interact with these adults and kids.
According to the CDC, one in 54 children in 2020 received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. This is a 10 percent increase from 2018 when only one in 59 received a diagnosis. From a human health and development perspective, this is a good sign. More kids are getting diagnosed and can live fuller, happier lives with parents and friends who understand them.
As we learn more about ASD as a society, we can take steps to create more inclusive experiences for the kids and adults who fall on this spectrum. This is why Altitude Trampoline Park in Kissimmee is joining other organizations to create a recurring sensory-friendly event.
What Are Sensory Friendly Events?
Sensory-friendly events are made with accommodations for people with autism. These events might be created specifically for individuals with ASD or they might have special elements so people with autism can enjoy the experience alongside their neurotypical peers.
When an event promises a sensory-friendly experience, it needs to consider all five senses: sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell. “At Altitude Kissimmee Trampoline Park, we work to adjust our experiences to limit or control environmental stimuli,” says Roberts. “We continue to train our staff members on how to engage with kids on their terms and to make them feel included.”
Introducing Sensory Friendly Tuesday at Altitude Trampoline Park
The Altitude Kissimmee operations team has worked carefully with local ASD experts to create a positive experience for individuals with autism and their families. On the first and third Tuesday of each month, the park reserves its space for neurodiverse kids who struggle with stimulation.
From 12 pm to 2 pm, kids can jump at a reduced hourly rate of $9.95 per person. Parents can also attend with a parent pass of $3.00 per person (with a two-person maximum).
During this time, the park’s team members turn off the disco lights and turn down the music volume. This creates a peaceful setting to explore the trampolines with a decreased risk of sensory overload. Additionally, the trampoline park is less crowded during this time. This means children can find a space just for themselves and enjoy the park’s activities without the stress of other kids running around.
The park’s Sensory Friendly Tuesday event is meant to help kids enjoy a safe space where they can move their bodies and enjoy exercise in a fun, relaxed way. Trampoline fitness doesn’t come with the pressure of group sports or the need to compete. Kids can move around and play in a low-stress, low-pressure environment. Parents can also know that their kids are safe by watching them the whole time and walking with them around the park.
Introduce Your Child to a Safe, Fun Trampoline Experience
If you think your child would be interested in jumping on trampolines and exploring Altitude Kissimmee’s obstacle courses, consider attending one of the park’s Sensory Friendly Tuesday events. The park is constantly making improvements to provide better experiences for kids on the autism spectrum. “This event is a safe way to experience trampoline fitness and fun for the first time,” adds Roberts.
Mark your calendars for the first and third Tuesday of each month. You can also learn more about these events on Altitude Kissimmee’s Facebook page and on its website. The park’s team can’t wait to make new friends and share its love of trampolines with your family.