Communicate clearly With new initiatives, it’s equally important to let people know they exist. Experts suggest: Giving easy-to-find details: Whether you have many accommodations or a few, Seeberger says, “Make it easy for folks to find information about what you already have and what you already do.” With amenities, she says, tell them, “Here are noise-cancelling headsets. Here are sunglasses.” Or: “From this time to this time, we can actually turn off those bright flashing lights, and there’s going to be no background music.” Using a range of formats: Push communications in multiple formats (online contact forms, emails, messaging apps, social media, onsite signage), says Seeberger. “Because for different people, different ways of connecting are easier.” Using plain language: In communications and personal interactions, Cobigo says plain language “is easier to understand, and that creates a more inclusive environment.” She also notes broader advantages: “People, whose first language is not yours, might be very happy that you’re using accessible language.” Communicating in advance: Seeberger says just knowing what to expect helps individuals with neurodiversity manage anxiety. “It’s incredibly helpful.” Assigning a point of contact: Seeberger says, “a specific person is incredibly helpful,” to manage questions about accessibility before and during your event. Follow through Comprehensiveness will help initiatives be more successful. Training is critical here, says Cobigo, who recommends training staff on how to respond appropriately and avoid discrimination against individuals with cognitive challenges. Finally, if you’re asking about accommodations, follow through, she says. “If you don’t do anything with the information you received, it’s useless. It’s actually very upsetting for people. It’s very critical to have a process, to be responsive and to evaluate that responsiveness, to make sure it is improved every time.” VENUES KultureCity sensory kit Pop-up sensory station at CB Nuit, St. John’s As part of its commitment to becoming more accessible and inclusive, Niagara Falls Convention Centre (NFCC) partnered with the non-profit KultureCity and in 2022 became the first convention centre in Canada to be certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity. Cullen Lampman, a marketing specialist at NFCC, shares key takeaways: • NFCC’s program includes dedicated quiet spaces, sensory bags (including noise- cancelling headphones and fidget tools) guests can borrow, signage and raised awareness amongst staff. • Annual training, informed by medical professionals, emphasizes how “to recognize somebody that might need a hand, how to approach them, how to guide them to access the resources we have in our building.” • The response has been “overwhelmingly positive from guests, parents that come in, as well as clients. They appreciate that we are looking after their guests ahead of time, that we have designated quiet spaces and sensory kits on hand.” • The process was easier than expected thanks to KultureCity’s involvement. “Just by reaching out, being proactive, they’ll be able to get you everything you need to help make your events a little more inclusive.” CASE STUDY Niagara Falls Convention Centre BC Place Vancouver sensory room 29 SPRING 2025 | ADRENALIN ADRENALINMAG.CA
