ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Going into its eighth year, the Rochester Red Wings hosted their annual 'Autism Awareness Day,' a cornerstone of the team's continued efforts to make the ballpark a more inclusive and welcoming space for all fans.
“We try to be woven into the fabric of our community,” Rochester Red Wings general manager Dan Mason said. “And this is one of those ways that we're able to make everybody in our community feel as comfortable as possible every time that they come to a Wings game.”
The team has made adjustments to provide a sensory-considerate experience for individuals with autism and their families by incorporating lower volume levels throughout the stadium, altered in-game production to minimize abrupt sounds and intense video displays, limiting noise makers in the crowd, estasblishing a ‘Safe Zone’ for those seeking a quiet reprieve and transforming Section 218 into Autism Aware Section for guests with family members on the autism spectrum.
“It feels great to have them included and stuff,” visitor Nohely Izquieta said. “So...they don't feel left out from it. And it makes me feel like there is hope for the future with, with my kids, pretty much with their disability."
Allowing mothers like Izquieta and Marissa Congdon to feel more accepted into these environments.
“Having to do things like this, like going out and then having to worry about our kids, being overwhelmed or getting overstimulated and having to see that people are going to stare and judge,” Izquieta said.
“Honestly, I can't believe that she's just been sitting here just, like, looking around, like she's usually one that gets up, runs and has her little zoomies,” Congdon said. “She’s actually content and watching.”
Celebrating its meaningful tradition throughout the day and a sensory suite, which allows that spirit of inclusivity to extend throughout the entire season.
"We don't want to just do autism acceptance and awareness today,” Mason said. “We want to make sure that those families with autism come here every time and have a blast.”
