City of Laramie Certified Sensory Inclusive

KultureCity has partnered with The City of Laramie to make all Departments of the City and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive
experience for all Laramie residents with a sensory issue that visits any City offices or facilities.

The certification process entailed the staff at the City to be trained by leading professionals on how to recognize Laramie residents 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 residents at City Hall, the Recreation Center, the Ice & Events Center, and the Police Department, who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Visitors to these facilities will also be able to have use of a dedicated quiet
area for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. All Police and Fire Department vehicles now also carry sensory bags, which can quickly be deployed on calls for service when needed.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over
stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment for people with sensory challenges. With its new certification, City staff is now better prepared to assist residents with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting City facilities or interacting with City staff.

Laramie residents can download the free KultureCity App on their phones 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 visiting City facilities.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the City of Laramie is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with The City of Laramie to provide a truly inclusive experience for Laramie residents!” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity. Chief of Police Dale Stalder said that working with the Kulture City Sensory Team has been an incredible experience and one that will benefit all City of Laramie employees by empowering them to work move effectively with residents and visitors that are impacted by sensory issues.

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 900 sensory-inclusive venues in 5 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in
TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.