KultureCity has partnered with the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum to make the Museum and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue that visits the Museum.  

The certification process entailed the staff at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum 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, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the Museum 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 (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. With its new certification, the Museum is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the Museum.  

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 the Museum. 

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the Museum to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity.  
 
“I am proud that the Museum staff pursued this certification for our world-class facility,” said Dr. Frances Levine, Interim Executive Director. “This is just one step in many designed to ensure the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is accessible and welcoming to all.”  

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 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend.