COLUMBUS, Ohio—Experience Columbus is making travel more inclusive by partnering with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, to certify both Columbus Welcome Center locations as Sensory Inclusive™. Team members have received training and tools to better support guests with sensory sensitivities, and the Short North Arts District location at 625 N. High St. and the Easton Visitor Center at 188 Easton Town Center now offer free resources such as sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards to create a welcoming environment for all.  

According to KultureCity, one in four people has a sensory need or invisible disability, such as PTSD, autism, dementia or effects of a stroke. Experience Columbus joins more than 18 Central Ohio institutions that have achieved KultureCity certification, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center, National Veterans Memorial and Museum and Ohio History Center. The Columbus Welcome Center also joins more than 3,000 Sensory Inclusive™ certified locations across the country and around the world.

“Creating a destination where everyone feels welcome is central to our mission,” said Shannon Jones, ECI, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at Experience Columbus. “Valuing all voices, unique experiences and diverse perspectives is reflected in everything we do. This certification complements our broader efforts to advance accessibility and inclusion through initiatives like our workforce development programs, Accessibility Guide, Small Business Program, Out in CBUS LGBTQ+ guide and CBUS Soul® platform.” 

Launched in 2022, Experience Columbus’ Accessibility Guide provides visitors and residents with information on accessibility offerings for mobility, vision, hearing and cognition. Developed in partnership with disability inclusion experts, the guide also connects users with additional resources in one centralized, easy-to-access location. 
 
The Columbus Welcome Center in the Short North is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can learn more about the center’s offerings by visiting in person. For more information on sensory resources or to explore the city’s full Accessibility Guide, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/Accessibility. 
 
About Experience Columbus 
Celebrating 85 years in 2026, Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region dedicated to growing visitor spending and enhancing the visitor experience. Annually, visitors make 53.2 million trips to Greater Columbus for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and leisure visits, spending $8.2 billion and supporting more than 82,500 jobs. For more information, visit ExperienceColumbus.com.  

### 

Media Contacts:
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145
Cameron Walker, ECI: cwalker@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6146