The Carle Achieves Sensory Inclusive™ Certification from KultureCity®

KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces the achievement of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for its commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the nation and around the world. This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with The Carle to make the museum and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive.  

The certification process entailed the staff at The Carle being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and a weighted lap pad will also be available to all guests at the museum who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.  

“We are thrilled to partner with KultureCity® to continue to break down barriers and open our doors wide to everyone who wants to enjoy picture book art,” said Jennifer Schantz, Executive Director of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at The Carle. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity® has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity® has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. With its new certification, the museum is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting The Carle.

Prior to visiting, families 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 at the museum.

“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, The Carle is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®.  

KultureCity®
KultureCity®, established in 2014, is a dynamic non-profit organization at the forefront of the inclusivity movement which continues to make waves in creating a more accessible and accepting world for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities (found in 1 in 4 of us). In a short 10 years, a few highlights of KultureCity’s impact includes making over 1,800 venues sensory inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need, making over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saving 48 lives through the KultureCity® First Responder Training. KultureCity’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical spaces. 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. With ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and a passionate community of supporters, KultureCity® is set to leave an enduring impact on the landscape of inclusivity.

About the Museum  
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion for picture book art. We collect, preserve, and exhibit original art; encourage guests of all ages to read and create art; and foster an ever-growing audience passionate about children’s literature. 

The late Eric and Barbara Carle co-founded the Museum in November 2002. Eric Carle was the renowned author and artist of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since opening, the 43,000-square foot facility has served over one million visitors. The Carle houses 9,000 works of art in the permanent collection. It has three art galleries, an art studio, auditorium, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and students. Educational offerings include professional training for educators around the country and master’s degree programs in children’s literature with Simmons University. The Museum offers digital resources, including art activities, book recommendations, collections videos, exhibition videos, as well as workshops for online visitors. Learn more at www.carlemuseum.org and on Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram @CarleMuseum.  

For media inquiries, additional press information, and photo requests, please contact Sandy Soderberg at sandys@carlemuseum.org.