Greater Fort Lauderdale Makes History with Accessibility Initiative

Greater Fort Lauderdale has partnered with KultureCity to make its beaches more inclusive for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

KultureCity is a nonprofit that offers certification, resources, and training to venues and destinations on sensory accessibility and acceptance. Properties that are KultureCity certified offer guests with invisible disabilities, such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder, specialized research-based resources like sensory guides and calm spaces. In recent months, the organization has worked with Carnival Cruise Line to make Celebration Key more accessible, as well as Hard Rock Hotel New York.

Greater Fort Lauderdale has been certified by KultureCity, bringing the nonprofit’s sensory resources to six Broward County beach communities: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach. Described as a “first-of-its-kind destination-wide initiative,” Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beaches now offer tools and training designed for guests with sensory sensitivities.

The participating beaches now offer co-branded KultureCity sensory bags, which contain tools such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, feeling thermometer cards, and strobe-reduction sunglasses. Guests can access these bags at designated lifeguard stations. The beaches have been outfitted with sensory-friendly signage and designated calm spaces, and guests can access weighted lap pads, identifiable lanyards, and accessible beach equipment, including beach wheelchairs

Guests who benefit from preparation can also access a Social Story for the beaches via the KultureCity App and website.

As part of the initiative, more than 170 lifeguards across the participating beaches completed sensory-awareness training, which focused on understanding sensory processing, as well as best strategies and effective communication for guests experiencing sensory overload.  

“Greater Fort Lauderdale has always been a destination where everyone belongs, and this initiative is another meaningful step in ensuring our beaches reflect that commitment,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “By working alongside KultureCity and our beach communities, we’re proud to become KultureCity’s first destination with sensory-friendly beaches, creating experiences where every resident and visitor can enjoy our coastline with greater comfort, confidence and peace of mind.”