CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ARTS RECEIVES SENSORY INCLUSIVE CERTIFICATION FROM KULTURECITY FOR SHADELANDS ART CENTER LOCATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 1, 2024

WALNUT CREEK, California – The Shadelands Art Center has received certification from KultureCity as a Sensory Inclusive Venue. As the main location for Center for Community Arts under Walnut Creek Arts + Rec (www.walnutcreekartsrec.org), Shadelands hosts a wide variety of public programming, and now staff and the facility are excited to better serve guests with special sensory needs. 

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The Certification Process + KultureCity

The certification process involved detailed training of staff by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Shadelands is also now equipped with “sensory bags,” kits that include noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. “Center for Community Arts is a place for everyone to participate in our programs,” said Maile Ogasawara Garcia, Program Manager. “Our staff and teachers at Shadelands take every opportunity to learn and grow as educators and the KultureCity sensory training and tools help us to be more aware and supportive as we welcome participants with invisible and visible disabilities into this space for classes and events.” 

KultureCity is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, and its Sensory Inclusive program has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums and cultural institutions worldwide. 

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are common among people with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. Individuals might become overwhelmed by crowds, lights, sounds, smells or other stimuli. For instance, a bustling arts or music class at Shadelands might be overstimulating for some visitors.

“If anyone has a sensory overload situation, we are educated and ready to respond,” Ogasawara Garcia said. “We have new signage up throughout our Shadelands facility about our Sensory Inclusive options, and we want to get the message out to the community that our doors are open to all.”

National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November is known as National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, honoring two demographics who often benefit from sensory-inclusive spaces. Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt, Arts + Rec Community Relations Manager said it’s a good time to spread the word about the new Shadelands certification.

“One of our core tenets through all of Walnut Creek Arts + Rec is that every single individual in our community deserves to experience wonderful cultural opportunities,” Sheets Orcutt said. “We’re proud to have put those values into action at Shadelands.”

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec has collaborated with KultureCity to create a Social Story, accessible at venue.kulturecity.org/venues/center-for-community-arts-shadelands-art-center-location or through KultureCity’s mobile app. This resource is designed to assist visitors in preparing for their first trip to the facilities. Looking ahead, Walnut Creek Arts + Rec aims to achieve sensory-inclusive certification for additional facilities in the future. 

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Media Contact Information:

Allie Rohlfs
(925) 354-0952
allie@verdinmarketing.com