LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) has partnered with KultureCity to designate OIC’s programs and services as sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all patients and visitors with a sensory issue who visit this healthcare facility.
The certification process entails the staff at OIC being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those patients and 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 (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker) and weighted lap pads, will also be available to all patients and their families who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. For those patients who may need a more secure environment, the use of dedicated quiet and private spaces designed by medical professionals is available in OIC’s patient care areas.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is commonly found in a healthcare environment. With its new certification, OIC is now better prepared to assist patients with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible during their medical visit.
Prior to visiting OIC, families can download the free KultureCity App where they can view what sensory features are available and how to access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which provides a preview of what to expect at OIC.
"A trip to a healthcare facility is often times already stressful and overwhelming and when you add the pandemic into the mix, the experience is even more daunting,“ said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder of KultureCity. “When Chris and Anel Gorham, KultureCity board members, suggested making OIC inclusive, we were thrilled. As we make venues of all types inclusive, it's important to include our medical facilities and certifying OIC as the first medical facility on the West Coast supports and reiterates our mission."
In addition to serving on the KultureCity Board, actor Christopher and his wife Anel Lopez Gorham also serve on the OIC Advisory Board. “Anel and I are so pleased to be part of the KultureCity and Orthopaedic Institute for Children families,” said Christopher. “It is our honor to have connected these two amazing nonprofits. We are so proud as Orthpaedic Institute for Children becomes the first West Coast hospital to earn KultureCity certification as Sensory Inclusive.”
About KultureCity
KultureCity is a leading nonprofit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 650 sensory-inclusive venues in 4 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and recently, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany. Further information may be obtained at kulturecity.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/kulturecity.
About Orthopaedic Institute for Children
Orthopaedic Institute for Children was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the west coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the OIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries.
Further information may be obtained at ortho-institute.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/oiforc.
