Sporting KC: First Outdoor Power Soccer Field

Sporting KC: First Outdoor Power Soccer Field

Sporting KC: First Outdoor Power Soccer Field

Inclusive Sporting KC Soccer Complex

Grand Opening:

Spring 2023

Location:

Northland Soccer Complex

Variety KC is getting kids off the bench and into the game!

Recently, the City of KCMO and Sporting KC broke ground on the 76-acre Central Bank Soccer Complex, a multi-sport complex for year-round use. The facility offers something for everyone, it’s the most inclusive sports complex in the nation.

#inclusionrevolution.

Learn more about this project!

Proud Partner

Find Out How to Get Involved

Volunteer for Variety KC, become a sponsor, champion a fundraiser with our support, or make a donation.

Children’s Mercy: Hospital lobby

Children’s Mercy: Hospital lobby

Children’s Mercy: Hospital lobby

It’s Hard to be what you cant see- Variety KC and Children’s Mercy hospital is changing that!

Our Inclusion Revolution is growing! Walking into CMH lobby you are surrounded by color, whimsy and joy.

While visiting a Variety Child on one of the floors I was surprised after leaving the lobby the feeling of Whimsy gave way. The pictures lining the walls were dated and disconnected… random pictures of cows…. florals and the ones with kids that had disabilities- the need was hidden. (Invisible)

I immediately thought of what a positive change and feel the halls of CM would have if people saw real families and kids like theirs grace the halls. Switch the dated images out for our beautiful inclusive photos by international award-winning photographer- Colleen Christi.

Her pictures of various Variety kids of all colors, abilities, sizes celebrating each child’s uniqueness, the joy they have in life and things they love. An expression of true Inclusion. If these pictures were updated then walking the halls of CMH would represent the kids they serve-and they serve the largest minority population we have- people with disabilities. So many Variety kids visit CMH for Doctors’ appointments, therapy, fitting for equipment and often long medical stays. Shouldn’t the walls represent this population of CHM patients- Wouldn’t it be wonderful if families and kids were welcomed by images of kids that looked like them- familiar and champion achievement.

Variety KC helps a Variety of kids with a Variety of special needs with a Variety of equipment and opportunities towards inclusion and those kids need to be seen and celebrated. So the story goes-here is another shining example that sharing your thoughts and dreams with others helps dreams come true. Dr. Ann Modrcin who is a tremendous physician at CMH and also a Variety BOD member loved the idea of updating the old images with bright fresh faces of kids that champion their special needs and differences…That gives kids true Super Powers!!

Dr. Ann shared this dream with the new and AMAZING VP of Inclusion at CMH- Michele Wimmes. And Michelle jumped on the idea to kick off the Joy in the workplace campaign. Thank you to the CMH team and to all who believe in positive change towards inclusion for all. The more we see this largest minority population in our world the more it will become the new normal and people of all abilities will be welcomed and celebrated.

Change is coming!!!!! Stay Tuned!!

Most Inclusive Soccer Stadium in the World

Most Inclusive Soccer Stadium in the World

Most Inclusive Soccer Stadium in the World

Introducing the most purposely inclusive stadium ever- right here in KC, home of Variety KC’s #InclusionRevolution.

Variety KC has partnered with Sporting KC and the Victory Project to help make Children’s Mercy Park the most welcoming stadium for people with disabilities. It is our hope that other cities, arenas, and stadiums will follow our lead.
The single largest minority population is the 26% of Americans with a disability. Unfortunately, this population is oftentimes invisible because the world simply isn’t built to allow them to participate. With these changes, EVERYONE can participate and enjoy watching Sporting KC play – live!

Here are the changes that make this possible:

  • Variety KC’s Sensory Room provides guests a sanctuary if the excitement and environment get overwhelming. Young guests can quiet down with a room filled with sensory toys and gadgets, while parents can still watch the game on a TV until the child is ready to re-enter the game.
  • Variety KC Sensory Backpacks can be checked out for FREE at guest services. These backpacks include noise cancelling headsets, weighted blankets, fidget toys and battery chargers for iPads.
  • Visitors will find four adult -sized changing tables throughout the stadium. These are located in the family restrooms and allow privacy for families to help toileting with dignity.
  • Variety KC Communication Boards are located at the first aid areas of the stadium and will allow non-verbal children to easily communicate their wants and needs to friends and families.
  • Children Mercy Park staff has been trained to recognize families who may need assistance and are informed on how to assist in a kind and friendly manner.
  • Handicap Parking is available to guests with special needs and ample accessible seating is available, including seating for families and friends.

We are so proud of the efforts to include all kids and families into the world of live in-person soccer!  It’s one more step in our goal to create a true inclusion revolution in KC. One where all kids and families are welcome – and all can Be Active, be Social and Belong.

Wonderscope Inclusive Treehouse

Wonderscope Inclusive Treehouse

Wonderscope Inclusive Treehouse

Wonderscope and Variety KC Partnership!

Grand Opening:

Fall 2020

Location:

Red Bridge Shopping Center

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! 

Proud Partners

Find Out How to Get Involved

Volunteer for Variety KC, become a sponsor, champion a fundraiser with our support, or make a donation.

Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts Inclusion Program

Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts Inclusion Program

Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts Inclusion Program

Inclusion in the Arts

Grand Opening:

October 1st, 2019

Location:

1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

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!

 

Project Highlights

Includes:

  • New Sensory Kits
  • Universal Changing Tables
  • 2 Serenity Rooms 

 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Kauffman Center / Photo by David Riffel
Photo by David Riffel
Photo by David Riffel

Proud Partners

Find Out How to Get Involved

Volunteer for Variety KC, become a sponsor, champion a fundraiser with our support, or make a donation.