Sensory Inclusion

The Rio Rancho Events Center has been Sensory Inclusive™ Certified by KultureCity!  What does this mean?  We are now able to better assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs, so all fans can have a seamless experience when attending our events.  Through our partnership with KultureCity, staff receive training and tools to recognize, entertain, and assist guests with sensory needs.  Sensory inclusion creates acceptance and accessibility for guests with sensory needs to cope with potential sensory over stimulation that can be experienced at live events.  Our goal is to provide a welcome experience for everyone.

KultureCity
What is the sensory inclusion initiative?

The sensory inclusion iniative is designed to help arenas, zoos, aquariums, museums, restaurants and other places of public attraction better entertain their guests that might have sensory needs/sensory processing issues.

What is a sensory need/sensory processing issue?

A sensory need/sensory processing issues is one where the guest affected by this finds noises, smells, lights and even crowds not only 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 sensory inclusion and sensory friendly?

Sensory friendly is one where the location has had all the potentially noxious stimuli removed. Because this is sometimes a difficult task, accessibility is therefore limited to the day and location of the sensory friendly event. Sensory inclusion liberates that. It creates daily accessibility with training, tools and other modifications that although do not remove the noxious stimuli. help the guest cope with this potential sensory over stimulation better thus 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 entertain guests with these needs. They also provide signage, weighted lap pads, sensory bags that contain noise cancelling headphones, fidgets tools and much more in order to truly create a welcoming experience for these guests.

What is the end result of the initiative?

It helps all guests feel welcome and included in our location. It also helps us reach a huge portion of our community that has long been isolated.

What is a sensory bag and where can I find one?

Guests with sensory needs can visit Guest Services and receive a “sensory bag” available for check-out at no cost. Sensory bags contain noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and more.