Abu Dhabi took a major step towards inclusivity for people of determination. Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination has teamed up with the management of Yas Mall Abu Dhabi to launch the “Quiet Hour”.
The initiative will take place on the first Monday of every month, starting April 5, from 11am to noon, during which there will be the implementation of certain sensory control measures.
This means that visitors to the mall during that hour will experience reduced lighting, cancellation of background music in stores, limited odours from perfume and incense stores, and no other advertisements or announcements (with the exception of emergencies). Employees of the mall have been advised to be quiet during that time and store activities such as restocking shelves and arranging stock will be restricted. The aim is to create a calm atmosphere suitable for autistic people and people with different sensory needs, as opposed to the usual bustling mall environment.
As part of the initiative, the mall also launched a “quiet room” to provide people with autism and other sensory disorders a controlled space within the mall. Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood have also launched the sensory rooms project in Al Jimi Mall.
The Sensory Pod, serves as a safe space for autistic children or children with other sensory needs. It contains various sensory stimuli that includes visual and auditory effects with the aim to improve the user’s mood, increase his or her ability to focus and provides for a peaceful getaway where they can develop coping skills and regulate negative reactions to external stimuli.
Both the quiet room in Yas Mall and the Sensory Room or pod in Al Jimi Mall are now free to access for people of determination.Both the quiet room in Yas Mall and the Sensory Room or pod in Al Jimi Mall are now free to access for people of determination.
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