DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Achieves Prestigious KultureCity Certification
9/19/2024 10:15:00 AM | ATHLETICS, EXTERNAL OUTREACH
DePaul looks to further its commitment to inclusivity
CHICAGO – DePaul Athletics has partnered with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, to create sensory-inclusive spaces at each of its sporting events.
"DePaul Athletics is steadfast in our efforts to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who enters our venues," said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "This partnership with KultureCity shows our commitment to advancing inclusive spaces on our campuses and allows us to ensure everyone attending DePaul Athletics events, no matter their sensory needs or invisible disabilities, are cared for and accommodated."
KultureCity's flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums and cultural institutions worldwide. Through the partnership, Wish Field, Cacciatore Stadium and McGrath-Phillips Arena join the longstanding partnership at Wintrust Arena, to make all of DePaul's programs and events hosted in our venues sensory inclusive.
This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy Blue Demon events with greater comfort and ease.
The certification process entailed the staff at DePaul being trained by leading medical and neuro divergent professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment at the DePaul Ticket Office.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells or other external stimuli. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory feature are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is a Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at DePaul.
DePaul Athletics looks to further enhance accessibility offerings and venue features throughout the coming year.
ABOUT KULTURECITY
KultureCity, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlight of KultureCity's impact includes making over 1,800 venues sensory inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need making over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCityÒ First Responder Training. KultureCity's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity partners with event industry leaders like NFL, NBA, MLB and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory inclusive. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity.
"DePaul Athletics is steadfast in our efforts to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who enters our venues," said Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "This partnership with KultureCity shows our commitment to advancing inclusive spaces on our campuses and allows us to ensure everyone attending DePaul Athletics events, no matter their sensory needs or invisible disabilities, are cared for and accommodated."
KultureCity's flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums and cultural institutions worldwide. Through the partnership, Wish Field, Cacciatore Stadium and McGrath-Phillips Arena join the longstanding partnership at Wintrust Arena, to make all of DePaul's programs and events hosted in our venues sensory inclusive.
This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy Blue Demon events with greater comfort and ease.
The certification process entailed the staff at DePaul being trained by leading medical and neuro divergent professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment at the DePaul Ticket Office.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells or other external stimuli. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory feature are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is a Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at DePaul.
DePaul Athletics looks to further enhance accessibility offerings and venue features throughout the coming year.
ABOUT KULTURECITY
KultureCity, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlight of KultureCity's impact includes making over 1,800 venues sensory inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need making over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCityÒ First Responder Training. KultureCity's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity partners with event industry leaders like NFL, NBA, MLB and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory inclusive. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity.
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