|
|
|
GMHS Achieves KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification
FOR GUESTS WHO HAVE SENSORY PROCESSING NEEDS: GMHS has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our Team Members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
KultureCity has partnered with Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society to make the animal shelter and all the programs and events the shelter hosts onsite sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue who visit GMHS.
“Animals have always had a special place in our hearts and to know that Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society has taken the extra steps to make their organization sensory inclusive is heartwarming. Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that GMHS is the first animal shelter in the U.S. to be certified is remarkable,” shares Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity.
The certification process entailed the staff at GMHS being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize visitors with sensory needs and 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 GMHS 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 is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like an animal shelter. With its new certification, GMHS is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting GMHS.
GMHS Chief Executive Officer April Martinez says, “GMHS is committed to bringing transformative change, dignity, and respect to all those we serve—people and pets alike. As a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified organization, we are thrilled for the increased inclusivity and enhanced experience we are now able to provide visitors.”
Prior to visiting GMHS, families can download the free KultureCity App (available on the App Store: http://bit.ly/KCiphone and Google Play: http://bit.ly/KCandroid) 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 visiting GMHS.
“Animals have always had a special place in our hearts and to know that Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society has taken the extra steps to make their organization sensory inclusive is heartwarming. Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that GMHS is the first animal shelter in the U.S. to be certified is remarkable,” shares Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity.
The certification process entailed the staff at GMHS being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize visitors with sensory needs and 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 GMHS 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 is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like an animal shelter. With its new certification, GMHS is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting GMHS.
GMHS Chief Executive Officer April Martinez says, “GMHS is committed to bringing transformative change, dignity, and respect to all those we serve—people and pets alike. As a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified organization, we are thrilled for the increased inclusivity and enhanced experience we are now able to provide visitors.”
Prior to visiting GMHS, families can download the free KultureCity App (available on the App Store: http://bit.ly/KCiphone and Google Play: http://bit.ly/KCandroid) 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 visiting GMHS.
