Sensory Inclusion

What is the sensory inclusion initiative?
The sensory inclusion initiative is designed to help arenas, zoos, aquariums, museums, restaurants and other places of public attraction better entertain their guests that might have sensory needs/sensory processing issues.

What is a sensory need/sensory processing issues?
A sensory need/sensory processing issues is one where the guest affected by this finds noises, smells, lights and even crowds not only overwhelming from the sensory perspective but also sometimes physically painful. Because of this, these guests often find themselves isolated from the community.

What is the difference between sensory inclusion and sensory friendly?
Sensory friendly is one where the location has had all the potentially noxious stimuli removed. Because this is sometimes a difficult task, accessibility is therefore limited to the day and location of the sensory friendly event. Sensory inclusion liberates that. It creates daily accessibility with training, tools and other modifications that although do not remove the noxious stimuli. help the
guest cope with this potential sensory over stimulation better thus ensuring an accepting and inclusive experience for all.

What are some groups that are affected by sensory need/sensory processing issues?
These could be guests with PTSD, autism, early onset dementia, anxiety, stroke patients just to name a few.

How does partnering with KultureCity help?
KultureCity helps by providing the necessary training to better entertain guests with these needs.

They also provide signage, weighted lap pads, sensory bags that contain noise cancelling headphones, fidgets tools and much more in order to truly create a welcoming experience for these guests.

What is the end result of the initiative?
It helps all guests feel welcome and included in our locations. It also helps us reach a huge portion of our community that has long been isolated

Do I need to pay to access any of the sensory inclusive resources?
No. All resources are free of any charge.

Do I need a reservation before using the Sensory Room?
No reservation is required. However, be aware that at busy times there may be multiple users of the space. There is a maximum capacity of 12 people at any given time.

Download the Social Story here.

Guests can read the social story resource prior to attending.

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their 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 200 sensory inclusive venues in 3 countries; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts: NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. Recently, KultureCity was awarded one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.

Located on Level 1, Aisle 3 & Level 3 – Aisle 31, the sensory room include various activity panels, weighted lap pads, bean bags, and seating benches.

At the conclusion of the event, any patrons who require Sensory Room access are to see a customer service staff member at Guest Services (Gate 1).

Complimentary sensory bags are available to hire for the duration of an event and are available from:

• Sensory Rooms (Level 1, Aisle 3 & Level 3, Aisle 31)

• Guest Services, Gate 5 (Level 1, Aisle 37)

Patrons will be required to sign a waiver prior to entering the Sensory Room or receiving a sensory bag/weighted lap pad. A photo ID and contact number is also required to be kept by staff until the bag has been returned.

If you require any assistance, please approach a customer service staff member around the venue.

Accessible car parking at the stadium is booked via Ubi Park

• Please note, patrons do not have to indicate via Ubi Park if they need an accessible car-park, but will require a Disabled Sticker to park in these spaces. 
• Please notify car park attendant on Event Day and they will help allocate you to an accessible spot.

Patrons parking in disabled bays must have a valid disabled parking permit.

Alternatively, disabled patrons can be dropped off at Bourke Street or Harbour Esplanade where there are external lifts from ground to concourse level.

Public lift access is available from Harbour Esplanade and Bourke Street from Ground Level – see Accessibility Information for details.

Gates 4, 6, 8 & 9 all have lift access to all levels within the stadium.

Mobility aids and prams are permitted into the venue, but must be stowed safely under your seat to not block patron access or exits. If you cannot do so, cloaking is available at Guest Services (Gate 1 & 5). Alternative cloaking locations may be available for special events. 

Assistance dogs are permitted entry into the venue.

Wheelchair services are available to take you to your seat. If required, please approach a customer service team member on event day or visit staff at Guest Services (Gate 1 & 5).

Meeting the needs of our fans in Marvel Stadium is paramount. In our quest to continually improve stadium accessibility, we ask that you contact us with your comments, questions and/or suggestions:

Email: reception.msl@afl.com.au