LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Basketball has partnered with the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region to host the first-ever Sensory Friendly and Autism Awareness Game when the Saints play Cal Poly on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Times Union Center. Special accommodations will be made to create a more sensory-friendly environment for fans with autism and other special needs.
 
"Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country," said New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who will be in attendance at the game, and whose teenage son, Michael, has autism. "About one in 59 children in the United States are living with autism, and at some point it will be one in 59 adults. Events like this are important to our mission of bringing awareness to the challenges faced each day by families affected by autism. I'm proud to partner with Siena College Basketball to give kids like my son a special opportunity to see the Saints play in a sensory-friendly environment."
 
One of the ways autism manifests itself is a sensitivity to loud or sudden noises, bright or flashing lights, and other intense sensory input. Those on the autism spectrum aren't the only ones who may have a sensitivity to noise and light. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, fibromyalgia, ADHD/ADD, Down syndrome, and those who have suffered head injuries are also often affected.
 
In an effort to create a more sensory-friendly environment, slight in-game adjustments will be made to the lighting, public address, and music levels, and flashing ads on the video scoreboard, ribbon boards, and scorer's table and media table LED displays will be eliminated.
 
"We're grateful to Siena College and their basketball program for hosting a game that addresses the sensory issues of our families," said Janine Kruiswijk, executive director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. "The event will also help raise awareness about autism and other special needs."
 
In addition to creating a sensory-friendly environment, public address reads and video features will be conveyed during the game to help raise autism awareness for those in attendance. Coaches and bench personnel will also wear signature autism puzzle ribbons.  
 
"We want to offer an enjoyable sporting experience for all of our fans and their families," said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "There will still be plenty of action and excitement at the game, and we encourage everyone to come out and support both the Saints and autism awareness."
 
Special group rates for seating in Sections 101 and 102 are available for spectrum guests and others with special needs and their families, and can be purchased in advance by contacting the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region at (518) 355-2191, or by e-mail at resourceasgcr.org. Furthermore, the Times Union Center Media Room, which is located just off Sections 101 and 102, will be converted into a sensory safe space where spectrum guests and others with special needs and their families can also watch the game on monitors. Saints players and coaches will visit with families in the media room following the game.