LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Belle of Louisville is taking steps to make cruises more accommodating for guests with autism.
Belle of Louisville Riverboats partnered with FEAT — Families for Effective Autism Treatment — of Louisville to provide sensory kits that passengers can check out during all Ohio River riverboat cruises, including on the Mary M. Miller.
The kits have noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, emotion cards, and other items to help calm, soothe and distract those of all ages with autism.
The idea came from the Brown family, who are annual passholders with two children on the autism spectrum.
"I think it's very important that they experience things that typical kids get to experience as well," said Ronel Brown. "I think it's also important for us as parents to be able to show them and be comfortable on a boat with them and help them understand, to the best of their ability, the safety precautions and things of that nature that need to be taken. They can be fun and safe at the same time."
FEAT of Louisville is a nonprofit organization that actively provides support, education, and programs for those with autism and their families.
To learn more about the nonprofit, click here.
For information about riverboat cruises, click here.
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