Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus holds a sensory bag. (Courtesy Tewksbury Police Department)
TEWKSBURY – Chief Ryan Columbus recently announced the Tewksbury Police Department, as part of an effort to promote inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, has trained every Tewksbury police officer in sensory inclusion in partnership with KultureCity.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions; age is no factor. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli during an emergency.
KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Tewksbury Police partnered with KultureCity to serve all community members. Tewksbury Police were trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize community members with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will also be available to all community members who may feel overwhelmed by the environment or an emergency situation.
Individuals can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at the Tewksbury Police Department.
To download the app for iPhone, click here. To download the app for Android, click here. To visit the department’s social page, click here.
“I’m extremely proud of our department for achieving this new certification, which means the Tewksbury Police Department is now better prepared to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible,” said Chief Columbus. “I encourage any community members who are interested to download our KultureCity app and check out our social page.”
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Tewksbury Police are aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and are championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity.
About KultureCity
KultureCity, established in 2014, is a non-profit devoted to creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities.
KultureCity has certified more than 1,800 venues as sensory inclusive, handed out almost 1 million sensory bags to individuals in need, made over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saved 48 lives through the KultureCity First Responder Training.
The organization actively collaborates with influential figures, businesses, and communities to promote awareness and understanding of invisible disabilities. KultureCity partners with event industry leaders like NFL, NBA, MLB and FIFA to make their flagship events sensory inclusive.
