As if we needed one more reason to love our favorite local Iron Man Statue, Vulcan Park and Museum, in partnership with KultureCity, is now certified as a Sensory Inclusive site.
What does that mean?
Glad you asked. This certification allows Vulcan Park and Museum (VPM) the opportunity to provide a more hospitable and accommodating experience for patrons with sensory sensitivities by training VPM employees “how to recognize visitors with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.”
Sensory sensitivities often go hand-in-hand with various conditions such as autism, PTSD, and dementia where individuals experience heightened sensitivity to noise and over-stimulation. VPM is now better-equipped to aid patrons with sensory issues.
For example, sensory bags are now available at the entrance ticket booth as well as at the information desk greeting you as you walk into the Visitor’s Center. Each sensory bag contains noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, as well as weighted lap pads. Additionally, signs are posted throughout the museum and park to designate certain areas as “quiet areas.”
Greater access for more patrons
Jennifer Watts, the Director of Museum Programs for Vulcan Park and Museum, is proud to offer greater access for more patrons. “We are grateful to KultureCity for showing us how to better serve Birmingham and its metro area through sensory inclusivity,” Watts said. “Vulcan was created over 100 years ago as a symbol to inspire all of Birmingham’s residents, and we are always striving to make sure that the statue of Vulcan, the greenspace and breathtaking views in the park, and the historical stories in the museum are accessible to anyone who wishes to experience them.”
Thank you, KultureCity!
You’ve probably seen KultureCity signs around town, but didn’t know anything about them. KultureCity is an area nonprofit founded in 2013 by a Birmingham doctor whose son has autism. For the past five years, KultureCity has labored tirelessly on behalf those with sensory needs nationwide.
VPM is proud to be one of the first historical sites with the inclusive designation, joining an extensive list of many NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, SlossFest, museums, aquariums, and zoos (including our very own Birmingham Zoo).
Traci Johnson, Executive Director of KultureCity, is excited about VPM’s new designation and says, “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Vulcan Park and Museum is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.” And we agree.
Congratulations on your new designation, Vulcan Park and Museum. Thank you for paving the way to a kinder, more sensory-inclusive city.
