St. Louis, MO – SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is proud to announce that 17 locations have obtained the sensory inclusive certification in collaboration with KultureCity®. The certification allows SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital staff to cater to the needs of individuals with sensory processing needs, whether it’s a patient or a caregiver.
The initiative is part of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all community members, ensuring that individuals with sensory sensitivities can enjoy cultural and recreational venues without barriers.
“SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care for every child and every family we serve,” says Michelle Romano, chief nursing officer at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. “Achieving sensory inclusive certification at 17 locations through our collaboration with KultureCity® underscores that commitment. Our care teams are now certified to recognize and support individuals with sensory processing needs. This is fundamental to our calling for creating environments where all patients and caregivers feel welcomed, supported, and respected.”
Every year, 50%+ staff at each location will go through the KultureCity training; developed 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 be available to all patients at clinics who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
“At KultureCity®, our mission has always been to remove barriers and make spaces more welcoming for individuals with sensory needs. We are incredibly proud to partner with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital as they achieve KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Certification. This commitment reflects their deep dedication to caring for the whole child and ensuring that every patient and family feels seen, supported, and safe. Together, we are setting a powerful example of what inclusive, compassionate healthcare can look like.”- Dr. Michele Kong, Co-founder & CMO, KultureCity®.
Prior to visiting a facility, families and individuals 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.
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About SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Since 1956, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital has offered the highest level of care as the country’s only free-standing, non-profit Catholic pediatric hospital. Located in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provides hope to thousands of children with complex conditions from Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. A member of SSM Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country, the 195-bed teaching hospital is staffed by SLUCare physicians affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Since 2013, U.S. News & World Report has recognized SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s as a Best Children’s Hospital.
About 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 highlight of KultureCity’s impact includes making over 7,000 venues sensory inclusive certified, handing out almost a million sensory bags to individuals in need, making over 150 live events sensory inclusive, and saving 72 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.
