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Accessible for All

�鶹ӰԺ wants to create a welcoming environment for all—even at its athletic events. Cheering crowds, flashing scoreboards and loud buzzers can overwhelm people with sensory issues, so select men’s basketball games at the MAC Center this season recognized and catered to those on the autism spectrum, with support from local autism organizations.

Men’s basketball highlights include:

Nov. 6, 2019
Celebrating Kalin Bennett

Freshman center Bennett, believed to be the first freshman diagnosed with autism to sign a national letter of intent to play Division 1 men’s basketball, scores his first basket in a game against Hiram College (which �鶹ӰԺ State wins 97–58). Photo by �鶹ӰԺ State Athletics

Dec. 21, 2019
First Sensory-Friendly Basketball Game

�鶹ӰԺ State partners with ®—which provides accessibility and inclusion for those with all abilities—to host a sensory-friendly game that brings in fans like April Stevens’ son (pictured), who has autism and loves basketball.

�鶹ӰԺ State staffers receive training to help those who may feel anxious, and the MAC Center is now a certified sensory-inclusive venue.

The game against Hampton University (which �鶹ӰԺ State wins 103–64) provides a sensory-friendly viewing area, pet therapy dogs and “sensory bags” to borrow that contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget activity toys and communication cards for nonverbal individuals. Photo by Kabir Bhatia, WKSU-FM

Feb. 15, 2020
Autism Awareness Basketball Game

In a game between �鶹ӰԺ State and Ohio University, Flashes wear the winning uniform design from a contest held by �鶹ӰԺ State Athletics and the School of Fashion, which partnered with ®, �鶹ӰԺ State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Student Accessibility Services.

The back of the jerseys include the ’s autism awareness ribbon and the phrase “1 in 59”—referring to a 2014 Centers for Disease Control study, which estimates that one in 59 US children is diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Ohio University’s team wears light blue shoelaces, a designated color for autism awareness. During the game (which �鶹ӰԺ State wins 87–72), the university promotes autism awareness messages and distributes stress toys and autism awareness T-shirts. Photo by �鶹ӰԺ State Athletics

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