In a commendable effort to inspire sensory-friendly travel and underscore its commitment to accessibility, Visit Myrtle Beach has announced the forthcoming release of a captivating children’s book, “Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation.” Crafted in collaboration with author and illustrator Lynda Farrington Wilson, the new children’s book aims to inspire families with children on the autism spectrum to embark on joyous journeys together. Through a captivating fictional narrative, the story vividly illustrates the wonders of family vacations while sensitively addressing the challenges of adapting to new surroundings and experiences.
“Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation” is a heartwarming tale that follows Maris the parrot on her compassionate journey. Equipped with her trusty telescope, Maris keeps a watchful eye over the families vacationing in Myrtle Beach, ready to extend a helping wing to those in need. This delightful book, published by White Garment Publishing Group, is now available for pre-order online and will grace the shelves of Myrtle Beach-area retailers this summer. Readers can stay updated on the list of participating retailers and upcoming book events by visiting visitmyrtlebeach.com/autism in the coming weeks.
Complementing this literary initiative, Visit Myrtle Beach has unveiled a tantalizing trailer for their groundbreaking television series, “Traveling the Spectrum.” This unscripted show offers a poignant glimpse into the heartfelt journeys of three extraordinary families as they navigate the unique challenges and triumphs of travelling with a family member on the autism spectrum. By inviting viewers to witness their beach vacation unfold in real-time, “Traveling the Spectrum” seeks to inspire and empower other families while fostering empathy and understanding within the broader community.
Highlights of sensory-friendly services and programs available throughout the Grand Strand include:
- In partnership with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility, Visit Myrtle Beach introduced The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge in 2022. To date, over 150 businesses along the Grand Strand have pledged their support or received CAN certification, committing to welcoming guests with autism and other neurodiverse disabilities through tangible and meaningful actions designed to support residents and visitors.
- Myrtle Beach International Airport has launched its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. This program provides a discreet way for travellers with hidden disabilities, including autism, to self-identify and alert airport personnel that they may require additional assistance or patience throughout their travel journey. Individuals can request a sunflower lanyard at information booths, and the airport also offers a “Quiet Room” in the baggage claim area for families to decompress.
- The Autism Travel Card offered by CAN allows guests to identify their family as one that includes someone with autism without needing to say a word. Participating restaurants, hotels, and venues have been trained to provide special or expedited service to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Cards are available online for a $7 membership fee and offer benefits and discounts with participating businesses.
- Participating hotels, including the 15 properties of Vacation Myrtle Beach and many others, help create a safe and sensory-friendly experience for children with Autism and their families by providing room placements, removing potentially dangerous or trigger items, and coordinating unique experiences.
- Wait staff at participating restaurants are trained to seat guests in quiet spaces, expedite meals and checkouts as needed, and handle potential sensory overload situations with understanding and compassion.
- Myrtle Beach attractions offer services such as trained staff, special programming, and discounts to families that present the Autism Travel Card. Examples include expedited access and discounted tickets at SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, noise-cancelling headphones and special pricing at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
- Through Project Lifesaver, Myrtle Beach area police and tourism professionals are trained to administer a GPS tracking band program for children prone to wandering off or at risk of becoming lost, allowing search teams to locate and return them to families/caregivers quickly.
