Where to find sensory accommodations and inclusive offerings around the Capital Region

Baton Rouge museums, organizations and arts groups are working to provide more accommodations for neurodivergent individuals or those with sensory needs.

“There’s a need in the community for individuals with disabilities to be included. And in order to be included, they need to have opportunities to participate in activities that interest them. Everybody else has an opportunity to participate in things that interest them. And they have that right, too,” Molly Phillips, BREC’s Adaptive Recreation program coordinator, told 225 for a recent story on the the autism and neurodivergent community in Baton Rouge. 

BREC, for example, offers opportunities like kickball, field trips, cooking classes, gardening, and more for neurodivergent patrons and those with disabilities. Here are seven other ways local institutions are fostering neurodiversity. Know of another? Send us a tip at [email protected].

Play 4 All at Knock Knock Children’s Museum

1900 Dalrymple Drive

Quarterly after-hours events are complete with adapted activities and trained staff.

Sensory Second Sunday at Louisiana Art & Science Museum

100 S. River Road

Held on the second Sunday of the month, this event offers sensory-friendly planetarium shows, KultureCity sensory bags to check out for the visit, trained staff and quiet areas.

Lauren Daigle Sensory Room at Raising Cane’s River Center

Singer Lauren Daigle donated a sensory room with squishy beanbags and toys to this local event venue in September 2023, which is available during concerts and events.

Sensory Storytime at Cavalier House Books

114 N. Range Ave., Denham Springs

Coloring, crafting and stories are hosted by a speech pathologist and kindergarten teacher.

Sensory on the Geaux Bags at Manship Theatre

100 Lafayette St.

CAAN and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health provide grab bags with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys and a communication card for patrons.

Sensory-certified accommodations at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

 3000 Zoo Circle

Quiet areas and headphone zones are open to visitors, plus more through the free KultureCity app.

Sensory Sensitivity Time at East Baton Rouge Parish Library branches

Various locations

EBPRL offers time blocks when light or sound is turned off in the children’s rooms. Noise-blocking headphones, sunglasses and fidget items are also available at the service desk.

This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of 225 Magazine.