KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces the achievement of Keystone Centre for its commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the United States, and around the world. 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 live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with the Keystone Centre to make the facility and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive.
The certification process entailed the staff at the Keystone Centre being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those 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 at the Keystone Centre who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
“We recognize the unquestionable need to make the Keystone Centre accessible to everyone,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “KultureCity was an obvious partner in our effort to modernize the fan experience at the Keystone Centre. Comfort is a fundamental building block in the fan experience, and recognizing the diverse ways that people experience the events we hold makes the Keystone Centre a more effective host venue, and puts the Keystone Centre at the very forefront of Canadian live event venues when it comes to welcoming fans with diverse sensory experiences.”
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 at the Keystone Centre. 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.
Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity® has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. With its new certification, the Keystone Centre is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the Keystone Centre.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at the Keystone Centre.
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, the Keystone Centre is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®.
