Bengaluru International Airport has launched India’s first sensory room for neurodivergent passengers.
The room is expected to offer a calm experience to those with autism, anxiety disorders, or sensory processing disorders
Located near the 080 International Lounge on Level 4 at Terminal 2, this is a first-of-its-kind initiative to assist neurodivergent individuals.
Airports can often be a difficult place to navigate for neurodivergent folks. The lights, the noise, and the sheer number of people can cause immediate overwhelm. Bengaluru Airport is already part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network, offering those with sensory difficulties to wear the Sunflower lanyard and receive assistance.
Now, the newly launched sensory room offers
- Ambient lighting elements (a bubble tube, galaxy projector, etc) for sensory tracking and inputs
- Soothing patterns on the wall
- A sensory toy station for engagement (useful for fidgeting)
- Weighted blankets for soothing
- Therapy mats
- A white noise machine
- Aroma diffuser
The room has been developed in collaboration with Incluzza, a thought leader in disability inclusion.
“We are committed to building an inclusive and passenger-friendly airport by offering the latest innovations, be it our biophilic, sustainable Terminal 2 or the digital solutions that enhance efficiency,” Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said in a release.
Dipesh Sutariya, Chairman and Managing Director, EnAble India group, said, “We at Incluzza, are proud to have partnered with BIAL in designing and building this sensory room. It’s heartening to see accessibility being driven by thoughtful, proactive action. We hope this is the beginning of more such initiatives across the country.”
The release added that even brief periods of sensory regulation can help reduce overwhelm and make for safer experiences for neurodivergent individuals.
