Eagles Autism Foundation is making the Super Bowl sensory-friendly

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles took home their first Lombardi Trophy. Later that year, the first Eagles Autism Challenge was launched. And in 2019, the Eagles Autism Foundation was officially established.

“We have raised approximately $20 million, all of which will be invested in the community,” said Executive Director Ryan Hammond.

One of her greatest accomplishments was the creation of a sensory space at Lincoln Financial Field in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Kulture City, a non-profit organization specializing in sensory transformations in similar locations. The room is equipped with interactive items that can help people take a break from the noise and stay calm without leaving the stadium.

But Hammond said not every sporting venue in the country has that kind of space.

“As we go to State Farm Stadium, they’re actually building the sensory space as we speak,” she said. “And just as we leveraged our partnership with Kulture City to open the sensory space at Lincoln Financial Field, we’re collaborating with them on the Super Bowl.”

One of the Eagles Autism Foundation’s most important contributions is shipping items to be locked in sensory bags similar to those offered at Eagles home games. Fidget toys, “Swoop” mascot dolls, and noise-cancelling headphones can make all the difference for people on the autism spectrum.

15-year-old Max Hershman knows that too. The Media, Pennsylvania teen has previously worked with the Eagles Autism Foundation as the host of a digital show, Sensory Saturdays with Max. He’s also a super fan of the Eagles and a strong advocate of inclusivity.

Hershman will be traveling to Arizona with the Eagles Autism Foundation next week ahead of the Super Bowl. There he will act as a local boot ambassador, promoting the kind of programs and housing that create a level playing field for all fans.

“I will be like a helper when people are down or sad or have bad feelings,” he said. “I just give them a toy to make them feel better.”

Hershman will have the opportunity to interview players and even cut the ribbon in a separate new sensory room at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He’s also looking forward to touring the sensory room at State Farm Stadium.

And if his predictions are correct, Hershman will have more to look forward to when he returns to Philadelphia.

“We will have a parade when we come back,” he said.

To learn more about the Eagles Autism Foundation, visit their website.

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