Lego Store to provide sensory-inclusive bags at all U.S. locations
The Lego Store will provide sensory bags for neurodivergent visitors and inclusivity training for staff at all U.S. and Canada locations.
Lego Store Sensory Bags
Beginning this April, while visiting the Lego Store, guests can use store-provided sensory-inclusive bags.
Each sensory-inclusive bag contains:
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Strobe-reduction glasses for bright lighting
- Fidget tools: a wacky trap snap, a jelly string noodle, and marble mesh
- Visual cue cards for communication
- VIP lanyard to inform staff of sensory needs
“To have sensory bags in a Lego store when I was a kid would’ve changed my whole perspective on the communities I could be a part of, said Sean, an autistic adult.
“When I’m in a crowded place or noisy area, I feel nervous,” said Isabella, age 11 and autistic. “The headphones really help well because it just cancels out most loud noises. It gives me a little bit less stress.”
“I’ve been waiting for this,” said Samantha, Isabella’s mother, ”to just be able to go to the store, where the employees understand, and the store is ready for my child.”
Autism Acceptance Month with Lego
The sensory-inclusive bags are part of the certification of Lego Store shops by the nonprofit KultureCity, which certifies businesses as inclusive toward individuals with sensory needs and non-visible disabilities.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, this April KultureCity will certify all 105 U.S. Lego Store locations in the U.S. — including those in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort — as well as all 13 Lego Store locations in Canada.
Lego Theme Park, YouTube, and Magazine Inclusivity
Other company-wide initiatives from Lego in April will further focus on inclusivity of autistic individuals, including “Love The Way You Think,” a Lego YouTube series with videos hosted by autistic creators, as well as more neurodivergent-accessible design features and language in Lego Life Magazine.
Through the Play For All Accelerator Program, the Lego Foundation will give over $11 million in grants among five organizations that advocate for neurodivergent inclusivity: Social Cipher, Kokoro Kids, Mom’s Belief, onebillion, and Little Journey.
All Legoland resorts in North America are autism-certified, as is Peppa Pig Theme Park, located next door to Legoland Florida.
“We hope that the changes to our stores, publications, and family attractions will have a positive impact and help embrace the diverse needs and strengths of our fans globally,” said Colette Burke, chief commercial officer of The Lego Group. “There will always be more to do, and we’re committed to working with fans and experts to implement initiatives that can help make a difference in building a more inclusive world.”
Find a Lego Store location near you here, and learn more about what to expect with Lego Store locations’ sensory-friendly inclusivity in the video below:
