LEGO House Inclusive Play Initiative: Empowering Neurodivergent Children Through the Power of Play with LEGO® Bricks

Fellow LEGO fans! I have some really exciting news from LEGO House in Billund, Denmark – they’ve just become the first place in the Nordics to get Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity. This means they’re now even more equipped and ready to welcome all families, especially those with additional needs.

From super handy changing spaces to cool sensory bags with headphones and fidget tools, LEGO House is making sure everyone can join in the fun. Moms, dads, and caregivers can now relax and enjoy knowing that LEGO House has got their backs!

You don’t want to know how much of a relief it was for me to read this news as my two boys have been begging me to go there for a while now and the one thing making me worried about it was how they would cope with the flight and also whilst they were there with the sensory overload. You see they both have varying levels of ASD and sometimes loud and crowded places are a bit overwhelming for them.

Inclusive Play – Wellbeing and Accessibility

Inclusive play is all about making sure everyone, no matter their abilities, can join in the fun. LEGO House’s new Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity is a huge step towards activating their experience for everyone. 

Among the physical improvements made as part of achieving the certification, LEGO House provides loanable bags, which function as small support kits that visitors can take with them around the House.

The KultureCity sensory bags include the following:

• Noise-reducing headphones: To help reduce environmental noise for anyone experiencing auditory sensitivity.
• Strobe glasses: To reduce visual information.
• Fidget tools: To help regulate feelings and support stimming.
• Visual Mood Cards: To support communication.

Specific Changes and Enhancements at LEGO House

LEGO House has made some fantastic changes to ensure everyone feels welcome and included. One of the biggest updates is the new accessible changing space, which comes equipped with a hoist, changing benches, and shower facilities. This makes a world of difference for families with special needs. Additionally, they’ve added a physical guidance path in the LEGO Museum on the bottom floor. This path features animations supported by audio, braille, and international sign language, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and navigate the exhibits with ease.

Support Tools and Programs

LEGO House has also introduced several support tools to make visits smoother for everyone. They’ve implemented the sunflower lanyard program, which helps guests with special needs signal to staff and others that they might need extra support. Additionally, KultureCity sensory bags are available, packed with helpful items like noise-reducing headphones, strobe glasses, fidget tools, and visual mood cards. These tools are designed to help guests with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable and supported during their visit, ensuring everyone can enjoy the LEGO magic to the fullest.

Benefits for Women and Families

These inclusive initiatives at LEGO House bring significant benefits to families, especially for women and primary caregivers. Moms and caregivers often juggle multiple responsibilities, and knowing that LEGO House offers supportive tools like sensory bags and accessible facilities makes visits less stressful. These changes mean families can focus on having fun together without worrying about finding suitable amenities or support. It’s a huge relief for parents to have a place where their children’s needs are understood and accommodated, making outings more enjoyable for everyone.  As a single parent, with two ASD kids, it feels like what might have been a challenge could potentially be much more accessible so I’m excited about this change.  

The Broader Impact on the Community

LEGO House’s commitment to inclusivity is setting a new standard for attractions everywhere. By implementing these thoughtful changes, they’re not just enhancing the experience for individual families, but also leading the way for other venues to follow suit. This ripple effect encourages more places to adopt inclusive practices, ensuring that families with special needs are welcomed and supported wherever they go. LEGO House’s initiatives highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, making a positive impact on the community and beyond.

This is not the first time Lego has focused on inclusivity either. They recently brought out their braille Lego set as well and have partnered up with Disney with the Inside Out 2 related Lego sets. Every small step creates a broader impact and I for one look forward to seeing where they focus next. 

Conclusion

LEGO House’s journey towards inclusivity is inspiring and sets a powerful example for other attractions. By making thoughtful changes and providing essential support tools, they are ensuring that every family can enjoy a stress-free and fun experience. These initiatives are a significant step forward in creating welcoming environments for all, particularly benefiting women and primary caregivers. As LEGO House leads the way, we can hope to see more places embracing inclusivity and making positive changes for families everywhere.

We encourage readers to support and advocate for inclusive initiatives in their communities. Share your experiences, spread awareness, and let’s work together to make all attractions as welcoming as LEGO House. Visit the LEGO House’s Inclusive Play page for more information and see how you can contribute to making the world more inclusive for everyone.