The Utah Jazz, Vivint Smart Home Arena, and leading national nonprofit KultureCity have partnered to make all events at Vivint Smart Home Arena sensory inclusive. This new initiative, which was announced on World Autism Awareness Day, promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory issues who attend events at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
“We appreciate the home arena of the Utah Jazz taking the steps to be sensory inclusive and KultureCity certified,” said Jazz forward and KultureCity board member Joe Ingles. “This is an important movement that not only impacts individuals with autism but also dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. No doubt, Vivint Smart Home Arena can be loud with our fans, but the presence of a sensory room from Vivint Gives Back and additional tools from KultureCity will help guests better enjoy the experience.”
Joe Ingles and his wife, Renae, have championed autism awareness ever since their young son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder last year. They have used their platform to encourage early detection and advocate for families raising autistic children in Utah and around the world.
The certification required all arena staff to receive training from leading medical professionals regarding how to recognize guests with sensory needs and handle a sensory overload situation. Guests attending events at Vivint Smart Home Arena now have the option to visit the Vivint Gives Back Sensory Room or borrow sensory bags equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads for those who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Unveiled in 2018, the Vivint Gives Back Sensory Room provides a safe space for guests with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is located on Level 5 between Portals LL and MM and is open during all arena events.
