# Sensory-Inclusive Stores The Autism-Friendly NBA Store Brings Stadium Experiences to All Fans By Justin Lam | Published 2018-04-05 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nba-autism-friendly-store References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/40552184/the-nbas-autism-friendly-nyc-store-is-a-slam-dunk?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feedburner+fastcompany&utm_content=feedburner) & [nba](http://www.nba.com/article/2018/04/02/nba-store-new-york-city-becomes-worlds-first-sensory-inclusive-retail-store) The recent autism-friendly [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nbpa-metaverse) store in NYC is the first of its kind to offer a [sensory-inclusive space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specialized-sensory-room) for fans of the NBA. The store, located on Fifth Avenue, was built with the help of [KultureCity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-cosmetics-partners) and has been outfitted with various accommodations for people living with sensory disabilities. KultureCity, a nonprofit which makes public spaces friendlier for people with autism and sensory disabilities, designed the space to be inclusive and to give all fans the experience of an NBA stadium game. While other retailers have held sensory-friendly spaces, the autism-friendly NBA store is the first of its kind as it is part of the league's permanent operations. The hope is that this space will demonstrate how easy it can be to make inclusive spaces, and it will hopefully inspire other spaces to do the same. This autism-friendly store is part of a broader initiative from the NBA that is working to make all its public spaces more sensory-inclusive. Image Credit: NBA ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sensory-inclusive Retail:** More retail stores are embracing sensory-inclusive design to create a welcoming environment for people with sensory disabilities. - **Inclusive Public Spaces:** Public spaces are being designed with inclusivity in mind to accommodate people with sensory disabilities and other disabilities. - **Autism-friendly Initiatives:** Businesses and organizations are implementing autism-friendly initiatives to create a more inclusive environment for people with autism. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Retailers can benefit from implementing sensory-inclusive design to create a welcoming environment and increase customer loyalty. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can improve inclusivity by implementing sensory-friendly spaces to accommodate people with sensory disabilities and other disabilities. - **Nonprofit:** Nonprofit organizations focused on autism and sensory disabilities can partner with businesses to create sensory-inclusive spaces and provide resources for individuals with special needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sensory Accessibility Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-cosmetics-partners.md) - [Accessible Live Basketball Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-basketball-experience.md) - [Retail Accessibility Frameworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inclusive-spaces-framework.md) - [Neurodiverse Inclusion Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurodiverse-inclusion.md) - [Neurodiverse-Inclusive Holiday Shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-shopping-hours.md) - [Sensory-Friendly Retail Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensory-friendly-shopping.md) - [Sensory-Friendly Airport Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensoryfriendly-space.md) - [Quiet Shopping Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-shopping-hour.md) - [Inclusive Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autistic-barbie.md)