VenuesNow (04/26/19) Riley, Noelle

Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., recently debuted a sensory suite to accommodate autistic and other unique audiences at a Kelly Clarkson concert. Bon Secours General Manager Beth Paul says many people do not attend events due to sensory issues such as loud noises and flashing lights, which trigger anxiety. The sensory suite includes a light-dampening glass wall, so fans can see what is happening inside the venue, while bean bags, calming sensory accessories, and a de-escalation space are additional features. Bon Secours Wellness Arena developed a sensory training program based on research, with assistance provided by local autism therapists and a nonprofit that works with autistic individuals. Venue officials and the Project Hope Foundation organized a study group with parents and therapists to determine how to be more inclusive to people with sensory issues. "We also focus on our workforce too, hiring and recruiting people into our workforce with special needs," Paul notes. "Combining those things are helping us with our overall inclusion."

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