Summary:
- San José Mineta International Airport is opening The Nest by Nutanix, a dedicated sensory-friendly room designed to support children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
- Developed in partnership with Nutanix and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, the space aims to reduce travel-related stress and create a more inclusive airport experience.
- The 800+ square foot facility will feature calming, interactive experiences that help travellers regulate sensory input and prepare for their journey.
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is to open a new sensory-friendly room, The Nest by Nutanix. Being launched in partnership with Nutanix and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, it is designed to support families travelling with children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The Nest by Nutanix sensory room aims to provide a calm, welcoming environment that helps reduce the stress and anxiety associated with air travel, while preparing children for the flight ahead.
Airports can be intensely stimulating spaces for neurodivergent travellers, filled with unfamiliar sounds, visuals, crowds, and routines. With one in six children in the region experiencing sensory processing difficulties, SJC recognised a growing need for dedicated, supportive spaces that make travel more accessible. Building on its commitment to inclusion and family-friendly travel, SJC partnered with Nutanix and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose to bring this innovative project to life.
The 800+ square foot sensory room will feature interactive experiences that offer calming textures, captivating visuals and soothing sounds to support sensory regulation and focus.
“SJC is keenly aware of the stress that travel presents for neurodivergent travellers and their families,” said Mookie Patel, Director of Aviation, San José Mineta International Airport. “We were the first Northern California airport to introduce the Sunflower Lanyard programme for travellers with hidden disabilities. As part of our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive travel environment for all, SJC is proud to partner with our friends at the Children’s Discovery Museum and Nutanix to build The Nest by Nutanix sensory room for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.”
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