Cailin Whisler, CTM in the North/Northwest region for AHSS —
“I have another part-time job as a Partnership Coordinator for the Chicago Red Stars women’s professional soccer team. I’m organizing their home opener to have an Autism Awareness and Acceptance theme, be sensory friendly, and include a small resource fair on the concourse in honor of Autism Awareness Month. We are working in partnership with Autism Speaks and Easterseals Chicago. The idea is to integrate the Red Stars more into the community and make it a safe and fun place for families with a member on the spectrum or with any kind of sensory needs. We are trying to reach families that can’t always do professional sports events.
Some of our sensory friendly accommodations:
- social stories and visual schedules available online and in print at the game
- Quiet spaces for breaks manned by trained volunteers
- no music/loud sounds during gameplay
- no fireworks or bright stadium lights
- compassionate Chicago Red Stars staff trained by Easterseals
- resource fair on concourse
- alternate games and activities available throughout the game
And if you can’t make this event, AHSS is hosting sensory-friendly outing with the Schaumburg Boomers in June! #AutismAcceptance
