KultureCity
They are the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. They make the “nevers” possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.
Sensory Inclusive Initiative
Iowa Events Center is now Sensory Inclusive™ certified. By partnering with KultureCity, we have improved our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our team members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
We have gone through the process to certify all our facilities, Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, and Community Choice Convention Center. Iowa Events Center is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa to become Sensory Inclusive™ certified.
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What to expect upon your arrival at the venue.
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Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Wells Fargo Arena. Click to see our Social Story from KultureCity.
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Where do I find a quiet space?
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There are multiple quiet areas throughout the Iowa Event Center.
- Wells Fargo Arena: the Sensory Room is located on the main concourse behind section 119.
- Community Choice Convention Center: Located on the South end of the 300 level.
- Hy-Vee Hall: Located on the South end of the second floor (outside of Hall C) is a comfortable seated area overlooking downtown Des Moines.
- Iowa Events Center main office: Located in the skywalks between the Community Choice Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena.
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Where can I check out a sensory bag?
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There are two locations at Iowa Event Center where you can check out sensory bags.
- Wells Fargo Arena Guest Services: Located near the North entrance of the Arena.
- Iowa Events Center Main Office: Located in the skywalks between the Community Choice Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena.
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Who can benefit from the quiet spaces and sensory bags?
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1 in 6 individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability. These are individuals with PTSD, autism, dementia, strokes just to name a few. Sensory needs are a common medical condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Common sounds, lights, crowds, and even certain smells might not only be overwhelming but also physically painful.
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What did the Iowa Events Center do to become certified?
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To ensure a more inclusive space, Iowa Event Center has taken the following steps:
- Staff members of the Iowa Event Center, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers, and the Iowa Wild have been trained by the professionals at KultureCity to identify sensory overload and how to communicate with those individuals.
- Designated quiet spaces have been identified throughout our facilities, including a dedicated Sensory Room in Wells Fargo Arena. The room features a custom textile artwork piece by ArtForce Iowa in support of the Iowa Department for the Blind.
- Sensory bags are filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload. Items include headphones, various fidgets, and ID cards, and are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID).
Resources
- Iowa Events Center Social Story
- Sensory Inclusion Initiative FAQ
- The Importance of Sensory Needs Training
- Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App to help you further with your visit to the Iowa Events Center: