Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has teamed up with KultureCity to become the first NBA arena in the country certified by KultureCity as Sensory Inclusive. KultureCity is a non-profit organization dedicated to rethinking accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for all individuals. The certification process includes Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse full and part-time team member sensory awareness training, and the implementation of enhanced services that features a new Quiet Space Sensory Room. The new initiative will promote a positive and accommodating experience for all fans and guests with sensory sensitivities who attend events at The Q.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to noise and over stimulation, which is a large part of the environment at a sports and entertainment venue. With its new certification, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is now better prepared to assist guests with these challenges to have the most comfortable experience possible when attending any event at the arena.

“We have always done our best to assist our guests’ needs at The Q, and now thanks to our partnership with KultureCity, we have elevated our awareness and procedures to a higher level,” said Len Komoroski, Cavs and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO. “Although we are unable to alter the environment during events, such as noise level, special effects and things of that nature, we can work with our guests to offer them multiple options if and when they feel overwhelmed. Our ultimate goal is to provide those with sensory needs the ability to be part of all the fun Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has to offer.”

The Q’s part-time and full-time staff participated in special training led by KultureCity to learn how to better interact with guests who have sensory sensitivities. The program covered topics such as how to recognize guests with sensory needs and strategies for better interaction and communication with sensory sensitive guests.

“The sensory inclusive certification was born out of the desire for us to help businesses and community organizations better understand the types of accommodations that can make a difference for those with sensory needs,” said Dr. Julian Maha, KultureCity founder. “As more and more families are affected by sensory processing challenges today, we are thrilled to introduce the KultureCity training and certification to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, providing families in Northeast Ohio an opportunity to enjoy their outings with more confidence.”

EVERY GUEST, EVERY TIME:

Guided by experts from KultureCity, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has implemented the following procedures, guidelines and opportunities to better serve guests with sensory sensitivities attending events:

• QUIET SPACE: A redesigned and dedicated sensory room is available to guests upon request. For those who may become overstimulated during events at The Q, the sensory room features calming paint tones, a textured wall, special seating and privacy away from loud noises and crowds.
• SENSORY BAGS: Guests may checkout Sensory Bags at no cost to utilize fidget toys, weighted lap pads, noise cancelling headphones and other resources during events. Sensory Bags are available at Guest Services booths at Section 100 on the main concourse and Section 200 on the upper concourse.
• EXIT / RE-ENTRY: For guests with sensory sensitives who need a break, a breath of fresh air can make all the difference. The Q’s guest services and security staff will provide special hole punches at all major arena exits, allowing guests with SPDs to step outside the arena and then re-enter, if needed.

On behalf of the Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, in appreciation for KultureCity guidance to help better achieve guest services goals, the Cavaliers Youth Fund, a fund of the Cleveland Foundation, is awarding KultureCity a $5,000 grant to be used toward KultureCity’s tablet:KULTURE program. The grant will support the tablet:KULTURE program by equipping children on the autism spectrum, especially those who are non-verbal, with IPads to foster development of language and assist in communication throughout the greater Cleveland area.

Sensory inclusive services at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse can be provided at any time during any event by visiting the nearest Guest Services booth location (Sec. 100 on the main concourse and Sec. 200 on the Loudville concourse) or by contacting any nearby guest services representative. For more information please visit http://www.theqarena.com/arena-info/accessibility-info or call (216) 420-2268.

KultureCity is the world’s first startup nonprofit with the mission to rethink accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all unique abilities. Founded in 2014, KultureCity’s programs break down the barriers of accessibility and have impacted more than 100,000 individuals throughout the USA.