The value of inclusion: KultureCity founder speaks to need for sensory accessibility

Many in the Vestavia Hills community have heard the story about Dr. Julian Maha’s oldest son Abram, whose Autism diagnosis led to the founding of KultureCity, an internationally-recognized nonprofit and advocacy group.

Others might have heard of “sensory-friendly” events or programs at restaurants or other locations, where an establishment offers an hour or two of programming that makes accomodations for the needs of those on the Autism spectrum.

But Maha said that for his talk at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce April luncheon, he wanted to go beyond just his organization’s founding and sensory-friendly programs.

What he is working toward, he said, and hopes others will embrace, is the “wisdom of awareness, beauty of acceptance and power of inclusion,” when it comes to those with special needs.

Maha shared the story of paleontologist John “Jack” Horner, who struggled through high school and early in his life due to his undiagnosed Autism, but was still been able to obtain multiple doctoral degrees and is a world-renowned scientist now — all thanks to a science teacher and employer who recognized he needed an environment that understood his needs.

“All because someone was aware of his condition, accepted him for who he was and included him in what they were doing,” he said.

Maha emphasized that accessibility goes beyond what is visible — beyond ramps and accommodations for physical disabilities.

True accessibility, he said, makes a space for the 84 percent of those with a disability whose disability is “invisible” to a stranger, such as Autism, PTSD, dementia and those recovering from a stroke.

Maha referenced the efforts of the National Basketball Association which has 17 arenas throughout the country that are sensory-inclusive by offering sensory bags, which contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and sunglasses, and other accommodations.

“That is the power of inclusion, my friends,” Maha said.

In total, Maha said there are 60 venues around the nation, including the McWane Science Center and Birmingham Zoo locally, that are sensory-inclusive.

While that is progress, Maha encouraged business owners at the luncheon to consider making their place of work sensory-inclusive.

“When you open up your heart to someone … you never know when you’re going to find the next Dr. Jack Horner,” he said.

Maha encouraged those looking to make their place of work or place of worship sensory-inclusive to contact KultureCity, and to follow the organization’s efforts in the coming months.

For more information about KultureCity can visit kulturecity.org.