The City of Philadelphia Remains as a Certified Sensory Inclusive City for the Second Year in a Row!
Philadelphia has achieved recognition as the first Sensory Inclusive City in the U. S. following a partnership between the Office for People with Disabilities and KultureCity. This initiative, launched in 2023, focuses on creating welcoming environments for individuals with diverse sensory needs beyond just autism. Training led by Khalia Jackson in 2024 has successfully educated over 13,000 city employees on sensory inclusion practices.
The city has maintained its certification for a second consecutive year, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for military veterans, seniors, and others with sensory sensitivities. The sensory inclusion lending program has been relaunched, allowing city departments to borrow sensory bags and mobile machines for various events. These modifications aim to ensure daily accessibility and foster an accepting community. The partnership with KultureCity highlights the city's ongoing commitment to inclusivity. Generous donations from local organizations, such as the Eagles Autism Foundation, have supported these initiatives.