KultureCity certifies the first sensory inclusive facility in Asia

A Tokyo-based social welfare corporation, Azalee Group, has collaborated with the non-profit organization KultureCity (USA) to make their multipurpose community facility “A-Cube” accessible to those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. This means that all A-Cube’s programs and events are going to be sensory-inclusive. Additionally, A-Cube, run by Azalee Group, has been certified as “Sensory Inclusive” by KultureCity for the first time in Asia through this collaboration. This news is expected to provide locals with a comfortable and stress-free environment for all individuals, especially children.

1 in 6 individuals has sensory needs

According to KultureCity, one in six individuals has sensory needs and invisible disabilities exampled by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and dementia. However, they are not recognized and accepted well in communities as it is invisible despite their pain. People with sensory processing disorder, one of the neurological conditions, have difficulties with receiving and responding to information from their senses. Children with the disorder may be highly sensitive to the surrounding environment such as certain smells, bright lights and loud sounds, and they may actually feel physical pain. For this reason, they are often forced to withdraw from communities without a choice but to protect themselves.

Sensory accessible facilities for those in need are now available

Azalee’s effort to make A-Cube and its events accessible to those with sensory needs allows everyone to spend their time without feeling stress from their senses. For example, users have free access to the “sensory bag,” designed by KultureCity, which is filled with items such as noise canceling headphones, fidget tools and language supporting cards to help lessen sensory overload. Moreover, the “sensory room” designed by medical experts is expected to be available in a year to those who require a quiet and safe place. Family members can download KultureCity’s free app in advance to get information about how to use sensory-inclusive tools and where they are.

The number of sensory-certified facilities has been increasing

A-Cube is the first KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive venue in Asia. KultureCity, a well-known non-profit organization in the US, has been working on sensory accessibilities and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. In response to that, many sports teams such as in the MLB, NFL and NHL have dedicated sensory rooms and sensory tools, and have received certification by KultureCity in the last several years. Mask requirements in public spaces due to the pandemic have also increased the demand for sensory rooms.

A-Cube’s sensory certification by KultureCity is cheering news in the sense that it has the potential to be the first step for the sensory needs or issues to be recognized and understood by the public in Japan. The Japanese government and various companies have started to recognize the issues as they begin to promote SDGs values. To maintain the momentum, the entire society must start learning about the disorder because diversity always comes with understanding and acceptance.