Sensory Friendly Concerts

Sensory Friendly Concerts at Valparaiso University were designed for the inauguration of the new Bachelor of Music Therapy program, which was recently accredited in 2019, as well as to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The programs are free of charge and open to audience members of all abilities, with special accommodations available for the disabled and neurodiverse community. 

Events

  • February 22 at 5:00 pm, Community Band Festival, Chapel of the Resurrection
  • March 15 at 3:00 pm, Musical instrument petting zoo, Harre Union
  • March 20 at 5:00 pm, Grammy Award winning duo Dan + Claudia Zanes, Harre Union. Find our more about the Zanes duo here. If you plan to attend, please let us know using this RSVP.

What accommodations are available?

The concert will include moderate lighting, more space between rows for wheelchair accessibility, a concert “map” to help audiences know what to expect, a sensory reduction room, sensory materials, and an American Sign Language interpreter. Trained student volunteers will also be available to assist audience members, particularly if they need a break from visual, auditory, or other stimuli. 

What should I bring?

Audience members are requested to bring any materials that they need to enjoy the concert. However, a limited amount of items such as noise reduction headphones, stress balls, fidget spinners, and weighted blankets will be available during the performance.

Parking

Handicapped parking will be available in lot 13 for both events (see campus map here). Extended handicapped parking will be available for all concerts in the series, check back for more information.

New to campus?

To prepare for the Zanes Duo Sensory Friendly Concert on March 20, you can watch a video here, where you’ll see images of the buildings and rooms you’ll go in, faces you’ll see, and discover where the entrances, exits, bathrooms and sensory reduction room is. 

The series is sponsored by The Institute for Leadership and Service, The Valparaiso University Music Department and Music Therapy Program, the Valparaiso University Cultural Arts Committee, Valparaiso University Access and Accommodations, and the City of Valparaiso-Human Rights Council.

Email sangeeta.swamy@valpo.edu for more information.