BATON ROUGE.- KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, announces the achievement of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) for its commitment to creating sensory inclusive spaces. This new certification expands upon LASM’s commitment to inclusivity and adds a new museum experience for sensory-sensitive individuals, Sensory Second Sundays.

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.

"Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, LASM 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,” states KultureCity® Executive Director Uma Srivastava. “We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with LASM to make the museum and all of the programs and events that the organization hosts sensory-inclusive.”

The certification process entailed the staff at LASM being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize guests and fans 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 weighted lap pads will also be available to all museum guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

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 by the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at LASM. 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 attending any event at LASM.

"As a museum, we are thrilled to become a sensory-inclusive space, where every visitor can engage with art and science in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them,” states LASM President and Executive Director Karen M. Soniat, Ph.D. “This is not just about making the museum and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium accessible—it's about celebrating diversity in how people experience the world around them, and we're excited to offer a place where everyone feels welcomed!"

Prior to attending an event, 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 enjoying an event at LASM.

Sensory Second Sundays take place every second Sunday of the month at LASM from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Guests will experience reduced crowds; enjoy softer lighting, sound, and visual stimulation; watch a special planetarium show with gentle lighting, lower volume, & subtitles; and are welcome to take a break in our comfort and relaxation zones.