Sensory Inclusiveness Allows Joy And Participation
While the creative arts hold an allure that elevates life experiences, it doesn’t mean they should be exclusive. In fact, it’s the last thing those in the field in the Fox Cities want.
Sensory inclusiveness—creating an environment welcoming and comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities or barriers—is gaining awareness and a spot in the lineup of performances.
“We want the arts to be for everyone,” Amy Gosz, Chief Programming Officer at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, says. “As we go through the world, you experience the world through your senses: through the sights, the sounds, through touch. We want an environment where we’re welcoming and inclusive and remove some of those barriers for people who might have challenges.”
Sensory processing disorder and mental health challenges may cause people to be sensitive to loud or sudden noises, unexpected sounds, or light sensitivity for bright lights. It could also include being unfamiliar with a new environment.
“Sensory inclusive performances are powerful because they open the doors of storytelling to everyone—including those who might otherwise be excluded by overwhelming lights, sounds or crowds or even the expectation of sitting still throughout a performance,” Meg Raby Klinghoffer, an autistic female and SLP and head of customer success and a sensory trainer KultureCity, says.
“They create a space and ethos where neurodivergent audience members and performers can fully experience the magic of live theatre without fear of judgment or sensory overload. Adjustments like trained staff and sensory tools like the noise canceling headphones and strobe reduction glasses lessen the auditory and visual input that can lead to sensory overload while still preserving the art.”
Sensory Inclusive Programming and Resources
KultureCity, described as more than an organization but a movement, “exists to make the ‘nevers’ possible for kids and adults with sensory needs and invisible disabilities that are too often misunderstood.”
“Whether it’s a stadium, school, restaurant, museum, zoo, first responders, an airport or theatre, we believe everyone deserves to belong—not just to be present, but to be truly included,” Raby Klinghoffer explain. “We train our partners and the various entities to see through a new lens. One that recognizes sensory differences, communication differences and the 8 senses. One that designs every event, space or system with these kids and adults who so often go unseen. Think autism, ADHD, PTSD, Parkinson’s, Dementia, TBI and concussion, stroke, and MS to name a few. KultureCity is where compassion meets action. Where individuals and their families finally exhale–because inclusion is not a trend, but it’s humanity.”
The nonprofit also offers Sensory Accessible and Inclusive® Certification for entities working toward the cause of sensory inclusiveness.
“A Sensory Accessible and Inclusive Certification with KultureCity means a venue or organization or event has gone beyond awareness to take real, actional steps toward inclusion,” Raby Klinghoffer says. “Patron-facing staff are trained to recognize and support individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities, sensory tools and signage are available on-site, and environments are reviewed and created for accessibility. This certification signals to the public that everyone, regardless of ability, is welcome and supported. It’s a promise of belonging.
“This includes staff that are trained who understand sensory needs and can come alongside kids and adults to co-regulate and help them return to homeostasis or to even get ahead of sensory overload.”
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton earned the certification in the last year.
“In the last 10 years, we’ve really intentionally provided resources and programming for sensory inclusive programs. The center is now KultureCity certified. We are one of 8 certified Wisconsin venues that have that distinction,” Gosz relays. “That means our staff and volunteers have gone through training to make us more aware of what sensitivities patrons might have and how to interact with them.”
The Fox Cities PAC also has “Sensory Kits” available for patrons free of charge. The kits include weighted lap pads, fidgets, sunglasses (for bright lights or strobe lights), noise cancelling headphones and more.
“It’s tools in a toolkit,” Gosz says. “Some might bring their own too, but if they forget or realize they need them, we’ve got those kits right here available. They can just go to our information table and check them out, use them, return them, and they’ll be here the next time they come too. It’s a fantastic resource that started last year.”
Sensory video guides are also available at the center, catering to those guests who like to know what to expect within a new environment. The videos walk through the door, the ticket-taking process, through the lobby and essentially takes a guest from start to finish of seeing a performance at the Fox Cities PAC.
“If someone is nervous about what sounds they might experience, what the theater looks like, it’s a great guide to help them prepare,” Gosz explains. “They can be more comfortable and have any of their tools ready if they need them.
“(The videos) are on our website and they’re available to anyone. And when anybody buys a ticket, we’ve been including them in our ‘Know Before You Go’ section.”
Sensory Inclusive Performances
Along with resources and programming, the Fox Cities PAC has specific sensory inclusive performances. Their objective is to provide an experience specifically for an audience with sensory sensitivities (but all are welcome!).
“These go to the level of making sure that the lights may stay on so patrons can get up and down, or the performers are aware that this is a sensory inclusive performance so they may have the sound level at more consistent levels,” Gosz says. “There’s not going to be any big bangs or sudden movements or sound.”
One such sensory inclusive performance is the collaboration between The Fox Cities PAC, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and Expressive Therapies to present Music In Motion (an event in November and another this upcoming March).
Sara Devine, founder and therapist at Expressive Therapies in Appleton, says the combination of music and the creative arts plus sensory inclusiveness is a natural one in offering an interactive performance such as Music In Motion.
“Expressive Therapies provides the music therapists who lead the sessions, facilitating interaction between participants and the musicians. Our therapists design and guide the music therapy-informed interventions, ensuring that each activity is meaningful, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the group,” she says. “The partnership with the Fox Valley Symphony has been ongoing for years, and together we’ve built a program that’s both joyful and impactful.
“These events are designed to be inclusive and engaging—participants might move to music, play instruments, or respond to musical cues in ways that support emotional expression, motor coordination, and social connection. It’s not a performance in the traditional sense—it’s a shared experience where everyone is part of the music-making process.”
“One of the most delightful parts of our work is how spontaneous and creative sessions can be,” Devine reflects. “We’ve had moments where someone who has been dysregulated prior to the start of the program begins to participate and regulates their emotions quickly, or someone who’s typically reserved takes the lead in a group rhythm activity. Music opens doors that words sometimes can’t—and watching those moments unfold is incredibly rewarding.”
“This program is for adults and children with special needs, along with their families. We want to have a welcoming space and an inclusive, interactive performance so they can have fun with us,” Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra says. “Most of them would not attend a regular concert in our hall, so we wanted to do a performance where they are not only comfortable, but actually a part of the show.”
Music in Motion: Sun, Moon, Stars
The sensory inclusive performance is happening on March 13 at 3 p.m.
“Our audience can expect to dance, play instruments and have a great time with their new friends,” LaFreniere says. “The music for this one will be recognizable to all, and we are playing pieces from Twinkle, Twinkle to Counting Stars by One Republic.
“Given this opportunity, it is incredible to watch people open up and play. Some of our participants are mostly nonverbal, and it is so heartwarming to watch them shine in these moments.” LaFreniere says. “It is also great to see them interact with their family, caregivers, and even other people in the room who were complete strangers to them but now become friends to play with.”
“The arts are for everyone,” Gosz reiterates. “Everyone should feel like they belong, be able to go out into the community and enjoy a performance… I think that the most important thing is that sense of belonging.