Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) took a significant step toward more inclusive travel with the addition of its multisensory room late last year. Designed to support travelers with sensory sensitivities and cognitive disabilities, the room reinforces the airport’s commitment to accessibility and passenger well-being. The project was a collaborative effort—developed by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) and Delta Air Lines and built by The Petersen Cos.
By investing nearly $500,000 in the room’s construction, WCAA and Delta Air Lines are demonstrating their long-term commitment to accessible travel. “At Delta, we believe travel is for everyone and are committed to creating elevated experiences for all our customers,” says Hussein Berry, Delta’s vice president of airport operations at DTW, in a prepared statement.
Located in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal across from Gate A36 behind Pandora, the multisensory room offers a calm, soothing environment where passengers can escape the bustle of the airport common spaces. With assistance from occupational therapist Dr. Olivia Goeddeke and autism expert Carol Gray, who also serves as a member of Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability, WCAA and Delta ensured the space incorporated elements proven to regulate sensory input.
“A wide range of sensory activities allows visitors to explore and choose among several interactive activities, creating a personalized, self-regulatory experience,” Gray explains. “The sensory room at DTW for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities is an essential step in Delta Air Lines’ commitment to making air travel comfortably accessible for all.”
Some of the room’s specialty features include an anxiety-relieving crash pad, a fiber optic bean bag, a musical hand wall that encourages interactive sound creation, a visually stimulating sensory wall, and a tree with a built-in cubby.
The room is available 24/7 and accommodates up to six occupants at a time. Travelers can request access by calling for an entry code upon arrival.
