As part of Peyton Breinich's , OTR/L doctoral capstone project, the Mohegan Sun Arena and the Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University announced the development of a new sensory services program for the arena, entitled Archie's Sensory Program.
The program will provide additional sensory services and accommodations to guests with sensory needs at events at the venue.
Archie’s Sensory Program, named for the beloved Misericordia University mascot, consists of a three-tiered, sensory services program consisting of Archie’s Sensory Stories, Archie’s Sensory Lending Library and Archie’s Sensory Den.
Tier 1: Archie’s Sensory Stories provides guests with a downloadable video guide to help provide guests with sensory challenges an advanced look at the arena and what to expect on their sensory journey to and once inside the facility for an event.
Tier 2: Archie’s Sensory Lending Library includes sensory items that can be loaned to guests at events such as fidget toys, adult and youth noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and wiggle cushions to help the patron regulate their sensory system while in the event space.
Tier 3: Archie’s Sensory Den provides an opportunity for patrons to step away from the busy sensory environment, regulate their sensory system and return to the show. It is located on the venue’s suite level, away from the performance space and hockey rink. The room is aesthetically calming, with muted colors, dimmed lighting, LED light-up bubble wall water fixtures, stepping stones, sensory chairs, tactile wall art and gel floor tiles. Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the room. Guests can obtain a sensory pass to utilize Archie’s Den for free at Mohegan Sun Arena’s Guest Relations Booth located behind section 110 on the venue concourse.
Peyton, along with her capstone mentor, Dr. Lori Charney, OTR/L, CAS, developed this evidenced based sensory program to promote inclusivity with a community partner. Peyton also developed a training module for event staff and is planning to draft a dissemination report to inform the OT profession about this program development capstone.