Wayne County Airport Authority and Delta Air Lines unveil Multi-Sensory Room at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

DETROIT (Nov. 8, 2024) – The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) and Delta Air Lines are proud to announce the opening of the Multi-Sensory Room, located in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The room is designed to provide a calm, supportive and safe environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities, and their families. Featuring calming colors, sounds and activities, the Multi-Sensory Room allows travelers to take a break from the sights and sounds of a busy airport.  

“The addition of the Multi-Sensory Room reflects the Airport Authority’s commitment to reducing the stress of travel and creating an inclusive environment for all of our guests,” said WCAA CEO Chad Newton. “I want to thank our partners at Delta Air Lines and our local experts for helping to make this project a reality.”

WCAA and Delta Air Lines invested nearly $500,000 in the construction of the Multi-Sensory Room. 

“At Delta, we believe travel is for everyone and are committed to creating elevated experiences for all our customers,” said Hussein Berry, Delta’s Vice President of Airport Operations at DTW. “Delta is proud to partner with the Wayne County Airport Authority as DTW joins the list of airports that provide a calming, supportive environment rooted in research for customers with sensory sensitivities and their families as they travel.” 

The Multi-Sensory Room boasts several features that support self-regulation and relaxation, including:

• Crash Pad: Allows for increased tactile input due to the material and flexibility of the pad. The large pad creates deep pressure, which can help reduce anxiety. 
• Fiber Optic Bean Bag: Provides various sensory feedback to promote the regulation of the nervous system. The fiber optic strands attached to the bean bag provide visual input in a predictable manner and tactile input through touch.
• Musical Hand Wall: Allows users to create the sound of their choice by placing their hand on the wall.
• Sensory Wall: Provides visual stimulation and consists of different shapes and textures to increase tactile input that helps calm users and promote relaxation.
• Tree with built-in cubby: Fosters a sense of safety and allows the individual to escape sensory input from the environment. 

WCAA and Delta Air Lines worked alongside Dr. Olivia Goeddeke, an occupational therapist, and consulted Carol Gray, a renowned autism expert and member of Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability, in development of the Multi-Sensory Room.  

“I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Wayne County Airport Authority and Delta to create a Multi-Sensory Room and was a part of the team that brainstormed, developed and created each feature in this space,” said Dr. Goeddeke. “It is rewarding to see our vision brought to life and to know that neurodivergent passengers will have an improved airport experience.” 

Gray added, “A wide range of sensory activities allow visitors to explore and choose among several interactive activities, creating a personalized self-regulatory experience. The new Sensory Room at DTW for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities is an essential step in Delta Air Lines’ commitment to make air travel comfortably accessible for all.”

Arvid Petersen, Chief Operating Officer of The Petersen Companies, managed the construction of the Multi-Sensory Room. 

“It is so exciting to see Delta and the Wayne County Airport Authority cultivating an inclusive travel experience for neurodivergent individuals,” said Petersen. “This will positively impact many families, including mine, making my granddaughter’s travel less overwhelming. The Petersen Companies, Inc. was honored to be a part of making the Multi-Sensory space come to fruition.” 

Travelers can find the room across from Gate A36, behind Pandora. Those wishing to utilize the room must use their cell phones to call for an access code to enter. The Multi-Sensory Room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has a maximum capacity of six occupants. 

WCAA has long supported travelers with disabilities through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, On Board with Autism in partnership with Delta Air Lines, and practice flights for families. 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 31 million passengers in 2023. As one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs, DTW offers service from 17 scheduled passenger airlines. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport earned Airports Council International’s 2020 and 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport by Size and Region (25 to 40 million passengers per year in North America). DTW has also garnered three prestigious awards for customer satisfaction since 2010. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.