Adopters and guests at Nashville Humane Association (NHA) who have sensory processing needs now have additional accessibility and inclusion options while at the Nashville shelter. Visitors to NHA will have the option to use noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards, and other tools intended to assist people who may experience sensory overload during their stay at the shelter. In addition to tools and equipment, NHA has also received KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Certification.  KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit for sensory accessibility and acceptance, has only certified one other animal shelter in the United States. As a Sensory Inclusive Certified facility, Nashville Humane staff have received special training to assist members of the public with sensory processing needs.“Our goal is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests including those with sensory needs,” said Laura Baker, NHA Executive Director. “We’re so excited to be able not only pets but also pet-loving people of all kinds at Nashville Humane.”In addition to Nashville Humane, KultureCity has assisted hundreds of venues like stadiums and amusement parks implement similar measures for people with sensory processing needs.Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like an animal shelter. With its new certification, NHA is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting the shelter.Prior to visiting NHA, families can download the free KultureCity App (available on the App Store: http://bit.ly/KCiphone and Google Play:  http://bit.ly/KCandroid) where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while visiting NHA.