Cameron Indoor Stadium Becomes Sensory Inclusive
Guests with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and similar conditions will have special tools and a sensory room
Duke’s Disability Management System and Duke Athletics have partnered to make games and events sensory inclusive in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The departments worked with KultureCity, a Birmingham, Alabama, non-profit that creates resources for individuals with sensory needs, on making the stadium certified for accommodating children and adults with autism, dementia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other similar conditions.
“Being at an event can be overloading to individuals with sensory issues,” said Leigh Fickling, director of Disability Management. “We recognize that guests may have different needs. We’re going to provide the tools to help people have the best possible experience.”
KultureCity trained Disability Management System, the Facilities and Game Day Operations teams in Duke Athletics and the Game Day Event Staff to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle situations in which guests feel overwhelmed at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium will be sensory inclusive starting in September 2020.
Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available starting this week in Cameron Indoor Stadium for individuals who may feel overwhelmed. Visitors will also have use of a dedicated sensory room that is designed to provide a quieter and more secure environment.
Before attending an event, guests can download the free KultureCity app to view what sensory features are available and where to access them. On the app is the “Social Story,” which provides a preview of what to expect while at an event at Cameron Indoor Stadium. KultureCity is available for download at both the Google and Apple stores.
“We would like to thank KultureCity for providing the training and resources to make our venues sensory inclusive to better serve our community on game days,” said Mikaela Ryan, associate director of game operations for Duke Athletics. “Our commitment to providing genuine service and enhancing the experience for all fans is our top priority and we are thrilled to work with KultureCity on this initiative.”
Contact Duke’s Disability Management System for more information.
Have a story idea or news to share? Share it with Working@Duke.