OU’s Lloyd Noble Center Earns Sensory Inclusive Certification
February 08, 2023 | Athletics
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma announced Wednesday it has partnered with nonprofit KultureCity to make Lloyd Noble Center and all the events and programs the venue hosts sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit Lloyd Noble Center.
As part of the certification process, Lloyd Noble Center staff has been trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to all arena guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (one in six individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over-stimulation and noise. With its new certification, Lloyd Noble Center is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
"We are grateful for our partnership with KultureCity and are excited for the opportunity to better assist individuals with sensory sensitivities at our Lloyd Noble Center events," said OU Associate Athletics Director for Fan Engagement and Production Tyler Cofer. "Our goal is to always provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our patrons, and this collaboration will help ensure we're able to meet the needs of all guests."
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity app to see the available sensory features and where they can access them. The app also includes a "social story," which provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at Lloyd Noble Center.
"Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that Lloyd Noble Center is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing," said Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity. "We're honored to partner with the University of Oklahoma to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests."
KultureCity is recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for individuals with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program's inception, KultureCity has created over 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in six countries. This includes special events such as the NFL Super Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl, MLB World Series and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won several 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.
As part of the certification process, Lloyd Noble Center staff has been trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to all arena guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (one in six individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over-stimulation and noise. With its new certification, Lloyd Noble Center is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
"We are grateful for our partnership with KultureCity and are excited for the opportunity to better assist individuals with sensory sensitivities at our Lloyd Noble Center events," said OU Associate Athletics Director for Fan Engagement and Production Tyler Cofer. "Our goal is to always provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our patrons, and this collaboration will help ensure we're able to meet the needs of all guests."
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity app to see the available sensory features and where they can access them. The app also includes a "social story," which provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at Lloyd Noble Center.
"Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that Lloyd Noble Center is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing," said Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity. "We're honored to partner with the University of Oklahoma to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests."
KultureCity is recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for individuals with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program's inception, KultureCity has created over 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in six countries. This includes special events such as the NFL Super Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl, MLB World Series and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won several 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.