February 22, 2025 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) I NOLA Ready Partners with KultureCity® to Provide Sensory Accessible and Inclusive- Accommodations for Mardi Gras 2025
NEW ORLEANS — In a collaborative effort to make Mardi Gras 2025 more accessible and inclusive for individuals with sensory sensitivities, NOLA Ready has partnered with KultureCity® to provide a limited number of sensory bags (at no cost) at all First Aid Stations along the Mardi Gras parade routes.
This initiative ensures that individuals with conditions such as autism, PTSD, dementia, and other sensory processing challenges can fully enjoy the sights, sounds, and festivities of Mardi Gras without feeling overwhelmed by the bustling crowds and intense stimuli. From February 27 to March 4, sensory bags will be available at all First Aid Stations to anyone in need, regardless of age or ability. Each bag contains essential tools designed to assist individuals in managing sensory sensitivities, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards, strobe-reducing sunglasses, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard to help staff and volunteers easily identify individuals with sensory needs.
To further enhance this initiative, NOLA Ready has ensured that all First Aid Station staff and volunteers will undergo comprehensive KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive training. This training equips staff and volunteers with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, understand, and support individuals with sensory sensitivities, fostering a more comfortable and welcoming Mardi Gras experience for everyone.
“By partnering with KultureCity®, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all and showcasing the importance of inclusivity in our community,” said NOHSEP Director Collin Arnold.
"Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, New Orleans and Mardi Gras 2025 are aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and are championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity! We are honored to support the community with sensory accessibility and inclusion,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity® .
Families attending Mardi Gras parades can download the free KultureCity® App to view sensory features available and where to access them. The app also includes Social Stories, which provide a preview of what to expect during the event. These Social Stories can also be accessed directly via the following links:
Social Story: New Orleans Mardi Gras 2025
Social Story: Navigating Mardi Gras Parades