TORONTO – Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, has introduced new accessibility features including a sensory room and an infant-feeding room as part of its ongoing renovations. These rooms are free for all fans attending a game and aim to create a more inclusive and comfortable environment.
The sensory room, located in section 212 of Rogers Centre, is the first of its kind in any professional sports venue in Canada. It is specially designed for fans with Down syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, or those who simply need a quiet space to self-regulate if the sensory stimulation of the ballpark becomes overwhelming. Fans can access the room without making reservations or checking in.
The room is equipped with amenities such as beanbag chairs, a colouring station, bubble walls, textured walls, a Nanoleaf wall that changes colours, and a muted TV for caregivers to stay updated on the game. Sensory bags containing noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidget toys, and colour-coded cards for communication are also available at fan services desks throughout Rogers Centre. These initiatives were developed in partnership with KultureCity, a non-profit organization focused on sensory accessibility and acceptance for individuals with invisible disabilities.
Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity, expressed gratitude for the Blue Jays’ commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Our communities shape our lives, and to know that the Blue Jays are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with the Blue Jays to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests.”
In addition to the sensory room, Rogers Centre has also introduced an infant-feeding room near Section 240, across from the Gate 13 elevator. This room is open to all ticket holders and features four rocking chairs with partitions for privacy, a muted TV broadcasting the game, change tables with provided diapers and wipes, bottle warmers, and sinks for convenience.
Christine Robertson, Blue Jays director of fan services, emphasized the impact these additions can have on fans’ experiences. “That’s what we’ve heard from fans, is what a difference it makes because now I don’t have to wonder should I bring my child to the game? Is it going to be okay? You can be confident it’s going to be okay,” she said.
Furthermore, both the sensory room and the infant-feeding room have QR codes posted for fans to provide suggestions on how to further improve these spaces. The Blue Jays’ accessibility committee is also exploring the possibility of adding more infant-feeding rooms and multi-faith prayer rooms.
With these new accessibility features, Rogers Centre aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of their individual needs or abilities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 31, 2023.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
