Kirkland Urban, which hosts approximately 20 events throughout the year, is working to ensure that those affairs are accessible for an increasing number of people. Kirkland Lifestyle caught up with Jackie Socha, General Manager at Kirkland Urban, to hear about the accessibility kits that are available at KU events. She shared that in thinking about how to use events to help families feel part of the community, Making it easier for everyone to participate supported that goal.
The kits cater to families who have a member who is highly sensitive to noise and activity and may become overstimulated at busy events. They contain headphones, fidget spinners, earplugs, and a cup to dial down or distract from too much sensory stimuli. All Kirkland Urban events have kits available, and typically 5-10 are distributed per event.
Among KU events, Pride and the May the 4th Be With You event (which people attended in costume), and Halloween event Treat Street are some of the best attended. Events are put on by Urban management with participation by retailers and community partners like the Kirkland Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce. As Urban is still a new property, Socha explains that they will see what works maximizing community attendance at events, and watch for ways to make events even more inclusive for kids and adults.
