The City of Norcross has announced a new partnership with KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. It’s the first city in Gwinnett Country to partner with the organization and will now offer sensory-inclusive experiences at city events held at Thrasher Park.
KultureCity is renowned for its commitment to creating accessible and welcoming spaces for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Their Sensory Inclusive™ program, embraced by venues, stadiums and cultural institutions across the nation, provides training and resources to staff to accommodate individuals with sensory needs.
Through this partnership, Thrasher Park will join the ranks of other KultureCity-certified venues, ensuring a more comfortable and inclusive environment for all visitors.
The certification process
The certification process involved training for the staff at Thrasher Park by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize and assist guests with sensory needs and handle sensory overload situations.
Sensory bags, which include noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, will be available to any guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment during events.
Sensory sensitivities
Individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other conditions may experience sensory sensitivities, and age is no factor in these challenges. The sensory-inclusive program at Thrasher Park ensures that everyone can enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of local events with greater ease and comfort.
“We are thrilled to be the first city in Gwinnett County to offer these sensory-inclusive features at our events,” said Norcross Mayor Craig Newton. “This partnership with KultureCity reflects our commitment to making Norcross a welcoming place for all, regardless of ability.”
The KultureCity app
Through the free KultureCity app — for both Apple and Android devices — families can view the sensory-inclusive features available at Thrasher Park events and access important tools, such as Koji (an AI-powered voice assistant) and “social stories.” This gives guests a preview of what to expect during their visit, helping them plan ahead and navigate the space more comfortably.
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Norcross is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity,” said Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity.
For more information, visit aplacetoimagine.com.
