Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority venues are certified sensory inclusive
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 11, 2020) – The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has partnered with KultureCity to ensure a sensory-inclusive experience for each of the events hosted in its managed facilities. The new initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue who visit the Charlotte Convention Center, Bojangles’ Entertainment Complex (BOplex, which includes Bojangles’ Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“We are pleased to partner with KultureCity to ensure our team members are prepared to serve our guests with sensory needs,” Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said. “As an organization, inclusion is one of the core values that drives us as we strive to deliver memorable customer experiences to each one of our visitors. Thanks to KultureCity, our team is now better equipped to do just that. The sensory bags and training give us more tools and resources to provide an enriching experience for anyone who visits our venues.”
The KultureCity certification process entailed staff members at the facilities being trained on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to manage a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are available at each of the venues for guests who may become overwhelmed by the environment. The venues have also identified and marked quiet areas for those who may need a break from overstimulation or noise.
“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major challenges for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is a natural part of the environment in places like the Charlotte Convention Center, the BOplex and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity app and view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. The app also includes a “social story” which will provide a preview of what to expect at each venue.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Entertainment Complex (which includes Bojangles’ Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium), NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.
About KultureCity
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 350 sensory-inclusive venues in 4 countries, including special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl 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, and recently, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.
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