Accessibility & Inclusivity

The Mississippi Aquarium welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, offering access to inclusive experiences and programs to allow each individual the equal opportunity to enjoy and learn about Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.

Experiences and programs we offer:

• Sensory days
• KultureCity® Sensory bags

We encourage you to contact info@msaquarium.org in advance of your visit with any questions or specific needs.

Accessibility:

• The MSAQ is compliant with ADA guidelines to ensure we provide all individuals the equal opportunity to access and enjoy our facility.

The Mississippi Aquarium features:

• Accessible restrooms
• Elevator access
• Viewing opportunities accessible by wheelchair
• Benches/additional seating in various locations throughout the facility
• Wheelchair ramps
• Accessible parking spaces
• Etc.

Wheelchair Rental:

• Wheelchairs are available for rental during operating hours on a first-come first serve basis. Due to limited availability, we cannot accept reservations at this time. To rent a wheelchair, visit the ticketing office upon arrival to our facility.

Mississippi Aquarium strives to provide an inclusive experience for all guests through establishing partnerships, providing resources and accommodations, and training staff members annually.

Partnerships:

• KultureCity is “the nation's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities”.
• Learn more at their website:
- https://www.kulturecity.org/

Resources and Accommodations:

• KultureCity® Sensory bags: contain special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones.
- Sensory bags can be checked out at the photo station located inside of Changing Tides.

• Quiet and Headphone Zones:

These are identifiable by signage posted on nearby walls.

-Quiet zones:
▪Low river habitat

-Headphone zones:
▪ Touch pool inside of Aquatic Wonders (3rd Floor)
▪ Shark Grotto inside of Aquatic Wonders (1st Floor)
▪ Rainforest habitat inside of Changing Tides

Staff training:

• The MSAQ staff undergo annual training sessions to continuously raise awareness of challenges and needs of this population and to educate staff on how to accommodate and advocate for this population.

Medical Services:

AEDs and first aid kits are located:

Aquatic Wonders

• First Floor in hallway before the bathrooms. (Next to elevator)
• Sea Trek prep area
• Outside of 2^nd Floor elevator to the right. The 2nd story elevators are located between tunnel and 3rd floor ramp.

Changing Tides

• Women’s bathroom at entrance.

The Gulf shop

• East wall of gift shop.

Full first Aid kits are kept in the security office and small first aid kits are available around campus. Ask a team member for assistance.

Service Animals:

• Mississippi Aquarium welcomes working service animals that align with guidelines outlined by ADA.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of MSAQ excluding the aviary due to the high risk of direct animal to animal contact.
If the service animal causes disruption to daily operations, staff members reserve the right to request the animal's removal from the premises.

Unacceptable behaviors include if the animal is:
• Barking or growling at other guests or animals.
• Not under control by the handler using voice, leash, harness, or a tethered line.
• Not housebroken.
• Disruptive or poses a direct threat to other visitors or animals, including jumping or running towards other guests or animals.

Accommodations

If a service animal is asked to be removed from an area that is open to the public, staff will offer appropriate and reasonable accommodations to the guest to obtain services without the animal’s presence.

For detailed ADA information, visit www.ada.gov or call (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).