BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today's volatile world. Half of the companies on this year's MIC 50 list are appearing for the first time.
1 in 6 individuals have a sensory need in the USA today; those include individuals with autism, PTSD, anxiety, down syndrome, early onset dementia, Parkinson's, and others. These individuals have sensory needs; a common medical condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Common sounds, lights, crowds and even certain smells might not only be overwhelming, but physically painful. Since 2013, KultureCity has been a catalyst for change in our society and industry, creating an inclusive future where all individuals with a sensory need are accepted and treated equally.
"Although KultureCity is a non-profit, innovation is crucial which is why we have followed a business model similar to a start-up. This honor reinforces our model and mission – awareness, acceptance, inclusion for ALL." Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity.
The organization has helped more than 250,000 individuals from coast to coast. KultureCity's sensory inclusive program is designed to help guests with sensory needs feel welcomed at a venue/event. Over 200 venues have been certified as sensory inclusive in 3 countries (USA, Canada, and Australia). Sporting organizations (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS) have been strong supporters of the movement along with zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, restaurants, libraries, and various other venues. "It's been such an honor to be affiliated with an organization who is eradicating social isolation and accepting all sensory needs, allowing them be an active member of society. These individuals are now able to enjoy an event, concert, and so much more without stigma ." Uma Srivastava, COO, KultureCity.
Last week, in Birmingham, AL, KultureCity opened the world's first sensory inclusive room at an airport for all abilities and sensory needs.
The KultureCity Board comprises of: Dr. Julian Maha, Dr. Michele Kong, Uma Srivastava, Traci Johnson and Tiki Barber, Bly and Meagan Gravlee, Jason Rogoff, Kelly AuCoin (from Showtime's Billions), Jennifer Lynn Farley (JWoww from Jersey Shore), Christopher and Veronica Jackson (from Hamilton and CBS's Bull), Daniel Platzman (from Imagine Dragons), Dominique Wilkins (NBA HOFer), Susanne Moore, and Mike Chen (YouTube star).
This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. They also judged nominations received through their application process.
The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
"Established players are showing the same kind of nimbleness that we've generally associated with startups," said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.
Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online at https://www.fastcompany.com/MIC, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27th. The hashtag is #fcmostinnovative.
ABOUT KULTURECITY
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with autism. Since the program's inception, KultureCity has created over 200 sensory inclusive venues in 3 countries; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts: NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers' Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. Recently, KultureCity was awarded one of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine Of The Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at http://www.fastcompany.com.
SOURCE KultureCity
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