Wayne County Airport Authority
Wayne County Airport Authority

Multi-Sensory Room

McNamara Terminal

The Multi-Sensory Room is designed to provide a calm, supportive and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities, and their families. The room allows travelers to take a break from the sights and sounds of a busy airport. It boasts several features that support self-regulation and help reduce stress:

  • Bubble Tubes: Promote visual stimulation. Due to the predictable rhythmic motion of the water, the tubes can promote relaxation as well.
  • 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.
  • Dimmable Lights: Control the color and brightness of the room’s lighting to best suit the passenger.   
  • 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.
  • Gel Floor Tiles: Increase visual stimulation by watching the gel move within them. They also provide tactile input through touch to make the gel move. 
  • Musical Hand Wall: Allows users to create the sound of their choice by placing their hand on the wall.
  • Rocking Chair: Promotes relaxation and helps regulate the nervous system by the rhythmic rocking motion.
  • Sensory Wall: Provides visual stimulation and consists of different shapes and textures to increase tactile input, helping calm users and promote relaxation.
  • Squeezy Seat: Provides tension around the trunk of the body. The pressure can resemble a hug and can help promote relaxation and calm an individual. 
  • Tree with built-in cubby: Fosters a sense of safety and allows the individual to escape sensory input from the environment. 

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