The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Announces Partnership With KultureCity in Honor of Autism Acceptance Month
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is pleased to announce its partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to raising acceptance and assisting individuals of all ages who have sensory needs. Launching on April 1 to align with Autism Acceptance Month, the resort’s 40,000 square-foot concert venue and performance space, The Chelsea, will be officially certified as a sensory-inclusive venue.
As a licensed sensory-inclusive venue, employees of The Chelsea received training on the needs of adults and children with sensory sensitivities, including autism, PTSD, ADHD, dementia and more. Additionally, The venue is now equipped with sensory bags featuring noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, KultureCity VIP access passes and Feeling Zone thermometers, a tool that provides individuals an additional means of communication. The Chelsea also offers an onsite quiet room providing a space to decompress for those who may be overwhelmed by sensory elements during an entertainment event.
“Offering a safe and comfortable environment for all guests to enjoy entertainment is a top priority,” said Fedor Banuchi, Vice President of Entertainment at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “We are thrilled to partner with KultureCity at The Chelsea to ensure we are sensory inclusive as we pride ourselves on the diversity of our guests.”
“Sensory needs (autism, dementia, PTSD and similar conditions) are present in one in four individuals; due to this, those with sensory needs often times feel socially isolated. When a group of friends or families visit Las Vegas, those with sensitivities might not participate in certain activities; by ensuring that The Chelsea is certified, autistic individuals along with those with sensory needs can enjoy a concert or performance. We are honored to partner with The Cosmopolitan to ensure inclusion for all!” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity.
Additionally, Beauty & Essex is also officially certified as a sensory-inclusive venue – with all employees receiving sensory training as well as offering sensory bags at the venue. In an effort to raise awareness, Beauty & Essex will be offering a blue version of the Wonder Wheel: chocolate-covered cake pops, macarons, blue sugar-dusted beignets ($38) throughout the month of April.
Additional Charitable Updates
For more than a decade, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has committed more than $5.6 million in donations to benefit 540+ charitable organizations that align with its pillars of charitable giving including learning and student enrichment, food and hunger relief, diversity and inclusion, military and veterans, first responders and accessible art.
Giving Module
The Cosmopolitan’s Giving Module Program has amassed more than $157,000 in donations since its inception in 2019. Through casino guest contributions and The Cosmopolitan’s matched support to local nonprofits, 2021 was one of the most charitable years thus far for the Giving Module – donating to 16 unique charities, providing more than $38,600 in matched donation payments, and a record $75,000 total charitable contributions. Heading into the first quarter of 2022, the resort is starting off the year strong with $8,531.12 in total donations thus far. Now through April, guests can donate spare change to one of four nonprofit charities including: Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas, International Center for Responsible Gaming and Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals when redeeming a slot ticket voucher.
Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative
As a part of its ongoing anti-human trafficking initiative, The Cosmopolitan has pledged $100,000 to St. Jude’s Healing Center to provide residential care to children and young adult victims of complex trauma. Additionally, The Cosmopolitan has confirmed an End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT) membership that accompanies a $25,000 donation to the organization to end commercial sex exploitation of children.
100 Percent on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
The Cosmopolitan has received a 100 percent perfect scoring on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “Corporate Equality Index” for a ninth consecutive year (2012 – 2021). This momentous accolade is a testament to the resort’s commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming space for all individuals at the resort.