1 Utama Introduces New Sensory Pod and Heart-Warming Autism-Friendly Services

30th October 2024, BANDAR UTAMA: In a world that can get loud and overwhelming, 1 Utama Shopping Centre is proud to announce the official opening of its new ‘Sensory Pod’ calm room and Autism Awareness campaign ‘As I Am – Celebrating Differences’ that aim to make 1 Utama an inclusive and accessible mall to all.

Taking over a year to plan and implement, As I Am involved the development of a digital membership registration system to simplify the process for ASD families, interior design and renovation works that covered the upgrading of PlayTime Kids inclusive playground with sensory walls and equipment, as well as a Sensory Pod with carefully selected finishes, lighting, décor and comforting colour palette. The Pod is also securely integrated with 1 Utama’s mobile SuperApp ensuring that only valid As I Am members can enter.

“Aligned with 1 Utama’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we have created intentional spaces and facilities designed to help shoppers with sensory challenges feel better. We welcome ASD individuals of all ages to join our As I Am community by signing up free online, which they can then access our Sensory Pod, redeem a Sensory Kit and enjoy other perks,” said Lee Li Lian, 1 Utama’s Public Relations and Sustainability Senior Manager.

As I Am is proudly supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia, a leading charitable organization formed in 1986 by a group of parents and professionals dedicated to autism advocacy.

Commented NASOM Chairman Julian Wong, “NASOM is honoured to partner with 1 Utama for its As I Am Autism Campaign. This is truly an amazing gesture by 1 Utama to cater to the needs of autistic children, teenagers and even adults when they visit the mall. NASOM is grateful that 1 Utama plays an important role in the community to help create awareness on autism and championing inclusivity within their mall community. We look forward in working closely with 1 Utama to collaborate more autism related activities and events together”.

‘As I Am’ Highlights

Summary

Sensory Pod

1 Utama’s Sensory Pod calm room is thoughtfully designed for As I Am members who may feel overstimulated in the mall and need to decompress in a more controlled environment. Spanning over 800 sq ft, the peaceful retreat is divided into Awan Play Space and Owl Quiet Zone.

Awan Play Space

Float away in dreamy Awan, outfitted with multi-sensory toys and games like textured puzzles and soft blocks to engage, entertain and self-regulate. A wave of eco-friendly acoustic wall panels reduce noise while soft plushies and a spun chair provide a cozy atmosphere. Lie down in the Blue Bean for a peaceful moment or grab a book from the Reading Corner. Then pop on noise-cancelling headphones at the Headphone Zone to escape into your personal chill space.

Owl Quiet Zone

Come snuggle in adorable Owl tents with soft bean bags under starry lights, providing a tranquil area to relax and reset. At the Chromotherapy Station, visitors can view fishes swimming around as they bask in the soft glows of therapeutic bubble tubes.

Playtime Kids

Where every child, no matter their differences, can share in the joy of play! This inclusive playground accommodates various physical learning abilities. Explore slides, customized balancing and play structures that foster greater social interaction and kindness between children of all abilities.

Sensory Walls

Dedicated spaces around 1 Utama have been transformed into fun, colourful sensory displays with interactive tactiles and textures to assist individuals on the spectrum in managing meltdowns. Explore your senses through touch and feel.

Sensory Kit

Lovingly curated for little ones to soothe sensory stimuli in a fun and engaging way. The kit includes useful tools that cater to various senses such as fidget toys, ear plugs and a communication card. Redemption is exclusively for As I Am ONECARD Kids+ members aged 12 and below.

‘As I Am’ Membership & Accessing Sensory Pod

As part of 1 Utama’s digitalization efforts, signing up for As I Am membership is easy and convenient:

Fill in As I am online membership form with ASD and ONECARD / ONECARD Kids+ details via 1 Utama website or mobile SuperApp. ONECARD memberships are provided complimentary for those who are not existing ONECARD members.

Upload proof of ASD (Autism Certified Medical Letter or Autism OKU Card).

Proceed to Customer Service Centre, 2nd Floor Oval to get verified with an official As I Am digital badge to complete the registration process.

One of the first parents to register their daughter Melody as an As I Am member, regular 1 Utama shoppers Wong Wai Hoong and Hazel Loke enthusiastically shared, “The As I Am campaign not only benefits autistic individuals but also their caregivers. It is a great initiative project to bridge the gap for the neuro divergent into their environment by allowing them to participate in activities and a great shopping experience overall like everyone else. The Sensory Pod provides a safe haven for our child when she is feeling overwhelmed by the crowd and noise after being in the mall for hours, while the Sensory Kit provides essential tools like the autism communication card to express their needs and preferences”.

Members can access the Sensory Pod by retrieving a unique QR code from 1 Utama’s SuperApp to scan at the QR door reader to enter, ensuring a safer and contactless experience.

Commented Lee, “Looking ahead, 1 Utama is excited to organize more autism activities, including circle time sharing sessions, workshops, and a job placement programme for ASD adults. These initiatives not only support individuals with ASD but also provide valuable resources for the autism community”.

1 Utama Cares

To reinforce its commitment as a caring mall, 1 Utama has developed numerous CSR initiatives and experiential services to enhance the shopping experience:

Family Friendly Amenities: To meet the needs of families, the mall provides baby rooms, strollers, kiddie rides, buggy services, first aid and water refill stations. Folding chairs, wheelchair and mobility scooters are also available for the elderly and specially-abled.
Food Rescue: In partnership with The Lost Food Project, 1 Utama “rescues” edible surplus food such as fruits, vegetables, bread, bun and pastries from participating F&B outlets, providing 6,000 meals a month to charities and homes.
The Kotak Project: Household essentials donated by shoppers in 1 Utama’s charity boxes (kotak) are distributed all year-round to over 130 welfare organizations in collaboration with Jaya Grocer and The Food Aid Foundation.
Book Matters: Gift a Book, Gift a Future: Part of 1 Utama’s Literacy Programme together with The Budimas Charitable Foundation, this meaningful campaign aims to circulate books sustainably to schools, libraries and learning centres so that 150,000 beneficiaries can share in the joy of reading.
Feed-The-Fish Charity Campaign: A charity drive powered by feeding fishes, 1 Utama has been sponsoring fish food sold to shoppers for RM1 since 2004 with 100% of sales proceeds donated to NGO’s yearly to support wildlife conservation efforts.

Source: Press Release