The Orlando Magic and Amway Center have teamed up with KultureCity to become the first NBA arena in Florida certified by KultureCity as Sensory Inclusive. KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rethinking accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for all individuals.
The certification process included Orlando Magic and Amway Center full and part-time team member sensory awareness training and the implementation of enhanced services that includes sensory bags, signage and weighted lap pads. The new initiative will promote a positive and accommodating experience for all fans and guests with sensory sensitivities who attend events at the arena.
“The Orlando Magic are dedicated to the fan experience and creating legendary moments for all guests,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “The Magic are also committed to an inclusive environment in which fans, community partners and employees feel welcome, valued and appreciated. We are thrilled to be working with KultureCity to create a better experience for all of our fans, both young and old.”
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to noise and over stimulation, which can be a large part of the environment at a sports and entertainment venue. With its new certification, the Amway Center is now better prepared to assist guests with these challenges to have the most comfortable experience possible when attending any event at the arena.
“We welcome this opportunity to work with KultureCity and further enhance the legendary service available to all patrons,” said Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson. “We are proud to be a sensory inclusive arena and improve the scope of our accessibility offerings.”
As part of the staff training led by KultureCity the full and part time staff learned how to better interact with guests who have sensory sensitivities. The program covered topics such as how to recognize guests with sensory needs and strategies for better interaction and communication with sensory sensitive guests.
The Amway Center will now have unique guidelines in place for those with sensory processing needs during an event. The guidelines include:
• The availability of sensory bags, weighted lap pads, and photosensitivity glasses, which can be checked-out at guest services at no cost. Bags include a special badge for guest recognition, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources.
• Signage decals on doors designating the arena as a sensory inclusive location as well as sensory bag signage at guest services locations
• Staff training about sensory awareness
“We at KultureCity are thrilled to bring our sensory inclusive initiative to the Orlando Magic and the Amway Center,” said KultureCity CEO/founder Dr. Julian Maha. “This will help any guest attending a game or an event have a truly amazing experience regardless of their sensory needs. We want to applaud the Magic and the Amway Center for joining this movement.”
About KultureCity
KultureCity is the world’s first startup nonprofit with the mission to rethink accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all unique abilities. Founded in 2014, KultureCity’s programs break down the barriers of accessibility and have impacted more than 100,000 individuals throughout the USA. To learn more about sensory inclusion, please visit www.sensoryinclusive.org
