Ridgefield, CT

12/1/23

KultureCity® has partnered with the Prospector Theater to make this location and all its programs and events Sensory Inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.

The certification process ensures that the staff at the Prospector Theater are trained annually by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.

KultureCity® Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards will be available to all guest at the Box Office who may feel overwhelmed by this new environment. Weighted lap pads are also available.

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 can be a major part of the environment at a location like the Prospector Theater.

With its new certification, the Prospector Theater continues to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.

Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them including, Quiet Areas, where to get a KultureCity® Sensory Bag, where the Headphone Zones are etc. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a customized visual preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to the Prospector Theater.

“Our communities shape our lives and to know that the Prospector Theater is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in community experiences is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the Prospector Theater to provide a truly inclusive experience for all guests!” - Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®

The Prospector actively educates students, teachers, businesses, and organizations on the benefits of an accessible and inclusive workforce. Kathleen Eubanks, the theater’s Director of Continuing Education, says “The Prospector is incredibly excited to partner with KultureCity and are proud to be the first Sensory Inclusive certified non-profit movie theater. The Prospector continuously strives to be a place for everyone to feel welcomed, included, and supported.”

The Prospector is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities through the operation of a first run movie theater and e-commerce popcorn business. Employees of the Prospector, known as Prospects, are matched with jobs that highlight our strengths and passions - or as we call it, “sparkle”. We transform our passions into professions while earning paychecks with competitive wages at all levels of the operation.

Approximately 75% of our workforce self-identify with a disability. Since opening November 20, 2014, the Prospector has employed over 320+ Prospects, paid over $20,513,000 in payroll, and over 1,000,000 hours of competitive and inclusive employment.

KultureCity® is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity® has created over 1,000 Sensory InclusiveTM public and private services, organizations, events and venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend.

KultureCity® has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity® was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019.

sensoryteam@kulturecity.org | www.kulturecity.org