The Pirates' PNC Park was recently certified as sensory inclusive, meaning its staff has the "necessary training and materials to assist guests on the autism spectrum or those with sensory issues," according to a front-page piece by Bill Brink of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Pirates President Frank Coonelly said, “I knew that these issues were there; I was not educated nearly enough on the extent of them, how many people are affected by sensory sensitivities or that there are effective means for us to address them in a manner that can allow fans to continue to enjoy Pirates baseball." Brink noted the club worked with Birmingham-based KultureCity, a non-profit organization that has "certified more than 280 public venues in the country" for sensory inclusiveness. KultureCity "requires 50% of forward-facing staff to be trained." The Pirates "hit 100% of staff training, which included the front office." The KultureCity app "acts like Yelp, except with sensory-inclusive venues." The sensory bag that affected patrons receive includes a "pair of noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, a weighted lap pad and cue cards that lets nonverbal guests communicate their mood and whether they needed something" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/9).
