Partnership with KultureCity: Creating Sensory Accessibility
Puzzle Effect Denver is Certified Sensory Inclusive
Northglenn, CO 7/24/20
KultureCity has partnered with Puzzle Effect Denver to make their escape rooms sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue who visit the escape room.
The certification process entailed the staff at the escape room being 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 (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker) and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at Puzzle Effect Denver 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 of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can be part of the environment in a venue like Puzzle Effect. With its new certification, the escape room is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when playing an escape room at Puzzle Effect.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at Puzzle Effect Denver.
“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Puzzle Effect is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity.
“Our goal is to create an environment where people can connect in a fun, meaningful way,” said Brian Lacertosa, Co-Owner and CEO of Puzzle Effect. “We are proud to partner with KultureCity to provide resources to those with sensory sensitivities or challenges. We want those individuals to comfortably unplug and play with their loved ones in our escape rooms.”
Puzzle Effect is an entertainment company with eight different escape room locations across the western US in Oregon, California, Arizona, Idaho, and Colorado. Puzzle Effect has created opportunities to unplug and play for over 200,000 guests since opening in 2014.
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 350 sensory-inclusive venues in 4 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many 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, and recently, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.
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