(RALEIGH, NC) – Don Waddell, President of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes and Gale Force Sports & Entertainment, today announced that the team and PNC Arena are proud to launch a new sensory inclusive program in collaboration with KultureCity. PNC Arena has been certified as sensory inclusive, which supports the Arena’s ongoing initiatives to provide a welcoming experience for all guests, including those with sensory processing needs.

Local high school senior Cameron Jarvis presented the program idea to Carolina Hurricanes management as a class project. Since Cameron is on the autism spectrum, she empathizes with those that may be sensitive to aspects of a game or event. Cameron and her family recognized the value of being able to experience events like Hurricanes games, and wanted to help others do so as well.

“The new program will allow us to better assist and accommodate guests with sensory processing needs,” said Waddell. “We want all guests to enjoy their experience at all PNC Arena events, including Cameron. We are grateful for her endorsement and that she connected us to our community in a new way.”

KultureCity is a non-profit organization that has extensive experience working with the special needs and sensory sensitive population in a community setting. Through their certification process, PNC Arena full- and part-time staff members received training to recognize and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Production elements for events, including sound levels and special effects, will occur as programmed. However, venue staff will be able to assist those that may become overstimulated.

At the direction of KultureCity, PNC Arena will now have unique guidelines in place for those with sensory processing needs during an event.

• Sensory Bags, Weighted Lap Pads, and Photosensitivity Glasses: Available at Guest Services (Section 127) for guests to check-out at no cost. Bags will include a special badge for guest recognition, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources.
   
• Quiet Area: Upon request, guests will be escorted to a designated room for those that may become overstimulated during an event.

“The sensory inclusive certification was born out of the desire for us to help businesses and community organizations better understand that simple accommodations can make a huge difference for those with sensory needs,” said Dr. Julian Maha, KultureCity founder. “As more and more individuals are affected by sensory processing challenges today, such as PTSD, autism and strokes, we are excited to introduce the KultureCity training and certification to PNC Arena, providing families in Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding areas an opportunity to enjoy their outings with more confidence and acceptance.”

To learn more about KultureCity and how their sensory inclusion offerings can help you or your business, please visit them at www.sensoryinclusive.org.

The Hurricanes host the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at PNC Arena (7 p.m., FOX Sports Carolinas, FOX Sports GO, Hurricanes Radio Network). For information on upcoming PNC Arena events, please visit www.ThePNCArena.com

# # #

About KultureCity
KultureCity is the world’s first startup nonprofit with the mission to rethink accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all unique abilities. Founded in 2014, KultureCity’s programs break down the barriers of accessibility and have impacted more than 100,000 individuals throughout the USA.