A Letter from the PGAV Vice Presidents

It has become a matter of course that when sharing conversation with someone, we talk about how uncomfortable the world is right now. We are all still in disbelief of the world around us and how much it has changed and affects us daily. As we spend time in our new routines in a search for “normalcy,” we are reminded to take a moment to see the joy around us, even in the little things.

For most everyone, joy is found in sharing experiences with family and friends. For many families, sharing experiences requires an extra level of preparedness to be sure their family member with a cognitive sensitivity, learning disorder, stress disorder or other challenge also enjoys the experience just as much as everyone else. Even the simplest of outings can bring levels of anxiety to others to which many of us cannot relate. Plus, with everyone wearing masks and sanitizing hands at every turn, this can add to the stimulation.

As destination designers, we are continually analyzing and rethinking ways to provide amazing, meaningful experiences for every person. We focus on understanding the needs of others, heightening our empathy, and taking the time to understand how the environment affects each of us differently. It has become our mission to learn as much as we can and lead this effort.

Over the next few weeks, PGAV’s weekly newsletter will highlight cognitive disorders. In better understanding potential barriers, we can collectively identify opportunities for improvement at our destinations. We will be featuring organizations that have actively addressed sensory inclusive design through our “Ask An Expert” series and will continue to explore this topic by talking with destination clients at upcoming industry conferences. Emily Howard will be moderating a panel discussion regarding sensory inclusive design at the AZA 2020 Virtual Annual Conference next week. With the recent cancellation of Expo 2020, Diane Lochner is working to develop content to share virtually with the IAAPA audience.

We cannot wait for the day when we can closely connect with family and friends again to share experiences together. We also look forward to continuing to design for all people and bringing true joy to each of us.

- Emily Howard & Diane Lochner

Innovation is for everyone. Got a topic you want to see on Destinology?
Email us at destinology@pgav.com or start a conversation on Facebook, Twitter on LinkedIn.
Tap the buttons below.