The Need

Kids love Wonderscope, the Children’s Museum of Kansas City – Variety KC loves them too! In the fall of 2020, Wonderscope will be opening in the old Red Bridge Shopping Center, and Variety KC will be right there with them.

The new Wonderscope will be a dynamic experience for learning through play, featuring hands- on exhibits and unique programming to inspire, educate, and entertain. Variety KC is helping to work with designers to make sure inclusion of all kids is a priority.

Variety KC is providing the first Adaptive Tree house in KC- It will be in the outside section complete with ramps, sensory experiences and fun. Variety KC is also sponsoring the Sensory Room in memory of Dena Duvall. This will be a quiet space that kids can calm down and enjoy some quiet in order to rejoin the activities.   We also informed designers about using soft surfacing in the outside areas so wheelchairs and walkers can utilize the entire play space while building friendships.

To make sure that every child gets a chance to enjoy Wonderscope and all it has to offer, Variety KC is building an inclusive treehouse – right there in Wonderscope! There will be a ramp to enter, space for wheelchairs to turn around, and sensory activities inside for ALL kids to learn, dream and have fun.

Variety Kc has also encouraged an adult sized changing table in the restrooms so kids of all ages can be changed with dignity. And in the new parking lot will be Variety KC “Think of Me” signs in the handicapped parking spots to create awareness to drivers to save these spots for kids and families who need the extra space to unload kids with special needs and their equipment.

Variety KC was proud to be a part of the conversation of what inclusion looks like in new
construction for all kids. We were able to gain input from parents whose kids have a variety of special needs to make sure the new Wonderscope is inclusive for all kids! 

The Need

The Kauffman Center is leading the way for inclusion in the arts and Variety KC is thrilled to partner in their efforts. This project is so much more than removing barriers and providing access, it’s about encouraging dreams and fostering talent.

The two new Variety-supported Serenity Rooms offer a quiet, welcoming space that patrons can visit when they need a little privacy or to take a break from the performance or crowds. Each Serenity Room is equipped with comfy furniture, outlets, dimmable lights, and sensory items like a fiberoptic color changing lamp and playable art sculpture. All of these items can help someone relax and refocus in potentially stressful or overwhelming moments. Since each Serenity Room is outfitted with a monitor, patrons don’t need to worry about missing a moment of the performance they came to see. Patrons can use either of the two Serenity Rooms during a visit to the Center by asking a staff member or volunteer.

New Sensory Kits made available by Variety KC are also available. Each kit includes noise-muffling headphones, a weighted lap pad, and a handheld sensory item. These items are designed to provide comfort and sensory stimulation for someone who is affected by the sights and sounds of a performance. During all performances, Sensory Kits will be available for complimentary use by any patron at Coat Check, located on the Plaza Lobby Level.

We are especially excited for the addition of universal changing tables in the family restrooms located in the Mezzanine Level and First Aid Office. These tables serve infants to adults, making them not only inclusive but providing a measure of dignity.
Thank you, Kauffman Center, you are making sure all kids have a chance to Be Active, Be Social and Belong in the arts!