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The Beach is for everyBODY:

Sensory-Friendly Pledge

The Myrtle Beach community welcomes thousands of people each year from all walks of life, including those living with autism and sensory processing disorders and their families, and is an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities. Through this pledge, businesses in the community can link arms and efforts together to help make The Beach an inclusive and welcoming place to visit! 

Visit Myrtle Beach is partnering with the Champion Autism Network (CAN), Autism Travel Club and TravelAbility for The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge. CAN, Autism Travel Club and TravelAbility work tirelessly to bring awareness to the challenges persons with varying abilities and neurodiverse disabilities face in their day to day lives, especially when traveling. Myrtle Beach has a long history as a sensory-friendly destination, and we are always improving and learning to foster even greater acceptance and inclusivity. We hope that this Sensory-Friendly pledge and commitment helps bring belonging and joy to all those who visit and live at The Beach.

Sensory-Friendly Travel: Nature Events at Myrtle Beach State Park

Let's Get Started

Sensory-Friendly Program Overview

The Beach is for everyBODY movement encompasses three commitments that begin with a pledge. After signing the pledge, you may also continue your dedication to inclusivity by offering incentives or training for your employees, however, steps two and three are not required.

  1. Myrtle Beach area businesses are invited to sign the pledge in which you and your employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, where you welcome EVERYONE, including people on the autism spectrum or with sensory disorders. See current list of Sensory-Friendly businesses across the Grand Strand. 

  2. Your business will become Autism Ready and will utilize the Autism Ready training for all employees (present and future). This training is conducted by the Autism Travel Club and will provide insight and practical steps to identify situations in which staff can calmly assist families. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Myrtle Beach staff have all participated in this training to lead our community by example. 

  3. Your business will have the opportunity to offer exclusive incentives or discounts for visitors who present the Autism Travel Club card.

The Beach is for everyBODY

We know that Myrtle Beach is the place where people can find acceptance, hospitality and understanding, but first, we need our local businesses to pledge to welcome everyone to our destination. Becoming a inclusive place for everyBODY starts with a simple pledge to be more aware and empathetic to those around you. We all need a little more kindness these days - and The Beach is the perfect place to start.

By participating in this program, you pledge to the following principles and will be eligible to become a member of the Autism Travel Club for 50% off the first year. 

  • Provide an inclusive space for visitors of all abilities
  • Practice patience and problem-solving in all situations
  • Cultivate a space of acceptance and helpfulness

Join Us!

Sign the pledge as the first step to welcoming everyBODY to our destination. We will build a more inclusive destination together. By participating in this program, you pledge to the following principles and will be eligible to become a member of the Autism Travel Club for 50% off for the first year. 

Provide an inclusive space for visitors of all abilities, Practice patience and problem-solving in all situations, and Cultivate a space of acceptance and helpfulness.

Take The Pledge!

The Autism Cafe eats at River City Cafe in Myrtle Beach

Our Sensory-Friendly History

It's A Community Effort

2016

Surfside Beach was declared the first autism-friendly certified destination in the country through the Champion Autism Network (CAN). This declaration further solidified their already well-known title as the “family beach” in the Grand Strand. CAN continues to promote sensory-friendly events and activities for locals and visitors.

2016

Savannah’s Playground opens in The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. This playground is designed for children of all abilities.

2016

The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), in conjunction with the Champion Autism Network, opens their first Quiet Room, allowing parents a quiet place to soothe their child in the event of a meltdown. The Quiet Room at MYR was the first of it's kind in the U.S. and paved the way for quiet rooms at other airports around the country and world. 

2018

The City of Myrtle Beach issues a proclamation making it an autism-friendly destination. Many area attractions, restaurants, and accommodation are partners with CAN and provide offers and support to those on the autism spectrum and their families.

2022

Visit Myrtle Beach is creating an advisory panel tasked to help accelerate The Beach’s commitment to improving accessibility in sensory-friendly travel for the 80% of families impacted by autism who do not currently travel.

Champion Autism Network (CAN) started in the Myrtle Beach area and has since expanded globally by Becky Large, an autism mom and business leader in the area. The Champion Autism Network's main mission is to help create more inclusive communities so that everyone live, work and play. 

TravelAbility strives to improve travel for all persons with disabilities and provides resources to help make the travel planning process easier for all travelers. TravelAbility partners with destinations to help make their travel resources more accessible and foster an more inclusive and accepting space within the community. 

Thank you!

Thank you to all the businesses who have already pledged their support and are making the Myrtle Beach area a more inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities. Below is a list of participants to date: 

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