KultureCity

KultureCity is a nonprofit organization which trains staff at venues and then certifies venues which have sensory inclusive modifications. The organization also provides application for Apple and Android devices which lists Sensory friendly venues to assist those with Sensory processing disorders.^[2]

KultureCity venue sign advising those with Sensory processing disorders that they may need to wear noise cancelling headphones
Formation	2013
Founder	Dr. Julian Maha
Founded at	Birmingham, Alabama US
Type	Nonprofit
Location	Birmingham, AL, United States
Coordinates	33.428056°N 86.794444°W / 33.428056; -86.794444
Region served	United States
Products	Sensory Inclusion Certification Software application Sensory Inclusion training
Services	Training Certification
Fields	Psychology Sensory processing disorder
Revenue (2019)	$1,264,448[1]
Website	kulturecity.org

Background

KultureCity is a Nonprofit organization which directs users of their app to sensory-friendly accommodations at more than 900 different venues in the United States. The app is designed to assist guests with autism and other sensory processing disorders in finding sensory friendly locations.^[3]

Their motto is: "Make the nevers possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities".^[4]

Certification

Sensory inclusive bag for people with sensory processing disorders

KultureCity partners with venues to provide training and tools to venues and events. The "Sensory Inclusion Certification" process involves training of venue staff by leading medical professionals regarding how to recognize those guests with sensory needs. Accommodations are meant to serve those with autism, dementia, PTSD.^[5] The organization also trains and certifies police department personnel. They provide details of items which can be included in a special sensory bag which can be made available to those who suffer from sensory sensitivities. The items in the bag may include fidget items, noise canceling headphones, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads.^[6][5]

Beginning in 2020 KultureCity organized sensory inclusive venues and events which included the NFL Pro Bowl, Super Bowl and the Pro Football Hall of Fame; Sixteen NBA arenas, 5 NFL stadiums, 5 NHL arenas, zoos, and many other venues in the United States.^[7]

Awards

In 2014 and 2015 Guidestar named KultureCity as Best National Non-Profit. Greatnonprofits.org named Kulture City the best-reviewed special needs nonprofit in 2014 and 2015. In 2015 Microsoft Corporation's "Windows 10 Upgrade Your World Initiative" listed KultureCity as one of its 10 nonprofits partners. The award came with a $50,000 USD grant. Also in In 2015, Kulture City won the "Community Cause of the Year" sponsored by the Vestavia Voice newspaper.^[8]

See also

• Autism friendly
• Buy Quiet

References

1. "KultureCity Tax returns" (PDF). KultureCity. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
2. Biel, Lindsey (2009). Raising a sensory smart child : the definitive handbook for helping your child with sensory processing issues (Updated & rev. ed.). New York, N.Y.: Penguin Books. p. 440. ISBN 978-0143115342. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
3. Reid, Claire (30 June 2022). "Brewers will offer sensory bags, quiet area at American Family Field for guests with autism and other needs". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
4. "Make the nevers possible". KultureCity. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
5. "The Milwaukee County Zoo Receives Sensory Inclusion Certification". Milwaukee Zoo. Milwaukee County Zoo. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
6. "KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification". WVC-UT. West Valley City Police Department. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
7. "Pro Football Hall of Fame receives Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
8. Shamsi-Basha, Karim (27 October 2015). "Microsoft names Birmingham's Kulture City a partner". Alabama News Center. Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2022.

External links

• Video - We all seek the same sense of inclusion - Julian Maha