Kulture City

KultureCity

The Tobin Center is proud to be KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ Certified

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts has partnered with KultureCity® to make all its programs and events Sensory Inclusive™. This new initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issues, no matter their age or ability.

The certification process ensures that the staff at The Tobin Center are trained annually by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. KultureCity® Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling head-phones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards, will be available to all guests at The Tobin who may feel overwhelmed by this new environment.

Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them, including Quiet Areas, where to get a KultureCity® Sensory Bag, where the Headphone Zones are, etc. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a customized visual preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to The Tobin Center.

Download the app for iPhone here

Download the app for Android here

KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Bag

The KultureCity Sensory Inclusive bags include a variety of fidgets and tools to aid those with sensory issues in remaining calm and enjoying the event.

These bags are available at every show and can be checked out at the Tobin's Patron Services desk

Kulture City

What is a sensory need or sensory processing challenge?

A sensory need or sensory processing challenge is one where an individual is affected by noises, smells, lights, and even crowds differently than others. The interaction with their environment can not only be overwhelming from the sensory perspective but also sometimes physically painful. Because of this, these guests often find themselves isolated from the community.

What is the difference between being Sensory Inclusive™ and Sensory Friendly?

Sensory-friendly is where the location has removed many of the overwhelming stimuli for a set period of time. Because this isn’t possible to do regularly due to branding or the style of the event itself, access is limited to the day, a few hours, or an event location.

There is often no training provided, no additional support, generally marketed at the autistic community which alienates others with sensory needs, and having set times often makes it hard for those with sensory needs to attend as they are regularly set on weekdays during work hours.

Being Sensory Inclusive changes that. It creates daily accessibility with training, tools, and other modifications that do not remove the overwhelming stimuli, they help the guest cope with this potential sensory overstimulation or under stimulation better, ensuring an accepting and inclusive experience for all.

What are some groups that are affected by sensory need/sensory processing issues?

These could be guests with PTSD, autism, early onset dementia, anxiety, stroke patients just to name a few.

How does partnering with KultureCity® help?

KultureCity® helps by providing the necessary training to better support guests with these needs. They also provide signage, sensory bags that contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and much more to truly create a welcoming experience for these guests.

Tobin Center Residents