The Eagles Built a Special Room at the Linc for Fans with Autism and Sensory Challenges
Jeffrey Lurie and the Philadelphia Eagles have been putting time and money into autism awareness, research, and action for many years now, as you probably know. On Sunday night, the $10 fee from the open training camp session helped generate another ~$500,000 for the Eagles Autism Challenge.
Today the franchise revealed a state of the art “Sensory Room” that’s been built at Lincoln Financial Field, described as a “full-time, 100% dedicated suite for fans and families managing sensory challenges.” It’s a collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the non profit organization “KultureCity.’
Here’s some information on what that entails, via press release:
The sensory inclusive certification process entailed training for Eagles employees and Lincoln Financial Field staff by leading medical professionals. It included how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are made available to all guests as part of their experience. The 500-square-foot, state-of-the-art sensory room has been carefully designed by top medical professionals to ensure a quieter and more secure environment.
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“With the opening of Lincoln Financial Field in 2003, we made it an organizational priority to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. “It is truly heartwarming to know that this state-of-the-art sensory room will now provide a sense of ease and comfort for families and loved ones who may be experiencing sensory challenges at Lincoln Financial Field. In this moment, we are creating a major shift from autism awareness to action, and it is all thanks to our compassionate and caring fans, Eagles Autism Challenge supporters, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the autism community around the world.”
“Sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism,” said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Challenge. “Lincoln Financial Field’s sensory room has been designed to accommodate guests of all abilities in a welcoming and nurturing environment. As a founding beneficiary of the Eagles Autism Challenge and committed partner of the Eagles, CHOP’s year-round support enables us to do great things for the Philadelphia community. Thanks to their collaboration and overall investment in our new sensory room, the lives of thousands of families attending an event at Lincoln Financial Field will now be fully transformed.”
“The sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field will provide guests with autism and other sensory challenges a safe and comfortable space to meet their needs,” said Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Children’s Hospital is proud of our longstanding relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles, whose commitment to autism research and care helps us fuel scientific breakthroughs that are making worldwide impact.”
After the jump, you can see some more pictures of the new suite: