In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies, is hosting their very first Autism Awareness Night on Tuesday, April 19th.
Not only is it $2 Tuesday ($2 hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and 12 oz Miller Lite cans), it’s a night that will cater especially to those with sensory needs.
Some of those things include:
- A workshop hosted by Meaningful Milestones with activities in the conference room
- Limited sound and lowering the volume on the concourse
- A quiet zone with sensory activities on the Crescent Patio
- Limited visual effects
- Bring-your-own sensory devices (clear bags only)
Not only that, but Segra Park is in the process of becoming a sensory friendly organization by creating partnerships with organizations that specialize in training and preparing companies to be sensory friendly for all events that guest may be attending.
All staff (including part time staff) are currently in the process of becoming sensory certified. This requires some training material and a test that has to be passed. Segra Park has to reach a certain percentage of staff passing this test in order to be completely deemed a Sensory Certified Organization.
Segra Park is located in the heart of the Bull Street District. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know Bull Street has quite the history in regards to mental health as the state mental institute was once located there. Segra Park is truly being the catalyst for change within the district. Not only were they the first business to build on the grounds, they are the first to become sensory certified. To see this come full circle is really a beautiful thing. It is very likely that when the mental institute was at its height, individuals with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder were probably patients there.
“April 19th is hopefully just a jumping off point in ways we can provide a great experience for those with sensory needs. We want each person that comes through our ballpark to feel seen, heard, welcomed and loved. We are striving to do what we can to make that possible. We are all in the process of learning and growing and consider it an honor if we can make families lives a little easier when they walk through those gates. Our staff has worked very hard and will continue to do so. Having an autistic son has opened my eyes to changes that need to be made to make this a place that’s fun for all and thankfully we have a supportive staff that feel the same.”
-Team President, Brad Shank-
We have come a very long way. We still have a very long way to go, but I’m proud to live in a city that has businesses striving to create change and wanting to make sure ALL feel welcome. Segra Park’s slogan is “Fun for All.” “All” includes those with disabilities. Even those disabilities that can’t be seen.
*Gates open at 6pm and first pitch is at 7:05. Segra Park is a cashless facility and does have a clear bag policy. Tickets range anywhere from $5 to $12.
