Invisible disabilities can be described as physical, mental or neurological conditions, not easily perceived by others, that in some way inhibit personal or social functioning. They also account for 70-80% of all disabilities, according to an article in Science Direct. Both Visit Bend and the nonprofit organization KultureCity aim to uplift this specific community.
KultureCity, according to the nonprofit, is the leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance. It offers a variety of services, including sensory stations, sensory activation vehicles and certifications for businesses.
A statement released by Visit Bend detailed the new collaboration, in the works for the past several months. Visit Bend’s Visitor Center now houses quiet areas and bags full of resources to help those with invisible disabilities. The quiet spaces are designed for comfort and are in place to help people decompress, especially if they feel overstimulated. Other resources include noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys.
The two organizations agreed upon a three-year contact, which ensures yearly training and training updates. Visit Bend joins the ranks of other partners in the community, including High Desert Museum and the Tower Theatre, in making strides for the community.
Daniel Elder, Visit Bend’s director of operations, explained that he first became aware of KultureCity in the midst of last year’s Oregon’s Governor Conference. Upon traveling to Portland’s visitor center and seeing how the program was implemented, he knew immediately that he wanted to do the same, locally.
“It’s just a really good opportunity to inform people about invisible disabilities and ways that different people in the community can show up for them,” he said.
Elder explained certain stipulations of the contract: They can’t charge for the bag to be used, nor can they profit off of in any way. Security deposits can be put in place, along with the requirement to leave a piece of identification when taking a bag, but he emphasized the importance of accessibility over getting the bags back. Returning them is encouraged as parts of them are reusable, but it’s not required.
Elder expressed hope for more businesses in the community to take part, such as sensory tent in Hayden Homes Amphitheater for example, or programming implemented for guests at area hotels. He was clear to assert that these resources are not just for those with invisible disabilities — they’re good for anyone, and predicts that more resources of this kind will be seen not only within Bend but across all of Central Oregon.
“Invisible disabilities is something that is relatively new being discussed as far as accessibility goes and being inclusive …. Bend is for everybody, and we want to continue to do what we can to live that message, not just preach it.”
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
