Playing Makes Sense

The Damar Difference

We call it the Damar Difference – the gap between what the government funds and what it takes to give our clients hope, dignity, and success. Gifts like yours allow us to go further than providing for basic needs and help us create a life rich with experiences and opportunities for those we have the privilege to serve.

Donate

IU football player with Damar clients
Young Damar client smiling

What is a devlopmental disability?

A developmental disability is a condition that begins during a person’s developmental period typically before the age of 22 and affects physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities. These disabilities are usually lifelong and can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. They may result from genetic conditions, complications during pregnancy or birth, illness, or injury during early childhood.

Learn More

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child touching sensory wall

Sensory Wall

Just like the Hoosiers call a timeout to rest and reset, we know that fans, especially those with autism and other developmental disabilities, may need to call a sensory timeout. Damar has teamed up with IU to offer game-changing sensory-inclusive updates for games at Memorial Stadium, including a brand-new sensory wall in the Hoosier Red Zone and sensory bags at Guest Relations.

Additional Resources
Hoosier Bison

Sensory Inclusive Guide
to Memorial Stadium

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Damar clients with IU football players
  1. Come prepared – Prepare for the outing like you would any other! Bring along anything your child might need to feel comfortable enough to enjoy himself or herself.
  2. Collaborate with other caregivers – When attending an event with a group, each individual may have different needs. While one person may enjoy the whole game, another could need a break halfway through. Work with other caregivers whenever possible in cases like this to set something up so everyone can have a positive experience!
  3. Give feedback – Let venues like Memorial Stadium that offer accommodations know that you appreciate what they’ve done and provide tangible examples of how you enjoyed the visit. If you have constructive criticism, share it. But, most of all, say thanks!
  1. Every child is unique – The ways that autism manifests vary widely from person to person; the challenges of someone with the disorder are as unique as they are.
  2. Understand sensitives – Children with autism may experience severe reactions to sensory stimuli like lights and sounds, including crowds like those at Memorial Stadium! Allow them to get a quick break if needed and then go back to enjoying the game.
  3. Display openness – If you encounter a child with autism, giving an open facial expression to show acceptance can bring comfort to both the caregiver and child!
  4. Take cues from the caregiver – It’s okay to ask the caregiver of a child with autism if there’s any way you can provide support! Even if they decline the offer, they may appreciate your openness and willingness to understand instead of just turning away or avoiding.

Sensory Bags

The IU football team offer sensory bags at Memorial Stadium with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys. These help guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. By helping ease sensory overload, sensory bags help create events that are welcoming to everyone. All items in the bag are thoroughly cleaned between uses. For sensory friendly experiences in Indianapolis, click the button below.


Sensory Activities
sensory bags
Playing Makes Sense

The Damar Difference

IU football player with Damar client

We call it the Damar Difference – the gap between what the government funds and what it takes to give our clients hope, dignity, and success. Gifts like yours allow us to go further than providing for basic needs and help us create a life rich with experiences and opportunities for those we have the privilege to serve.

Donate

Young Damar client smiling

What is a developmental disability?

A developmental disability is a condition that begins during a person’s developmental period typically before the age of 22 and affects physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities. These disabilities are usually lifelong and can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. They may result from genetic conditions, complications during pregnancy or birth, illness, or injury during early childhood.

Learn More

IU sensory wall

Sensory Wall

Damar’s Sensory Wall at Memorial Stadium provides a calming, interactive space for individuals with autism and other sensory needs. Featuring a variety of textures, colors, and activities, it provides multiple ways for individuals to satisfy the need for calming.

Additional Resources

Hoosier Bison

Sensory Inclusive Guide to Lucas Oil Stadium

  1. Come prepared – Prepare for the outing like you would any other! Bring along anything your child might need to feel comfortable enough to enjoy himself or herself.
  2. Collaborate with other caregivers – When attending an event with a group, each individual may have different needs. While one person may enjoy the whole game, another could need a break halfway through. Work with other caregivers whenever possible in cases like this to set something up so everyone can have a positive experience!
  3. Give feedback – Let venues like Memorial Stadium that offer accommodations know that you appreciate what they’ve done and provide tangible examples of how you enjoyed the visit. If you have constructive criticism, share it. But, most of all, say thanks!
  1. Every child is unique – The ways that autism manifests vary widely from person to person; the challenges of someone with the disorder are as unique as they are.
  2. Understand sensitives – Children with autism may experience severe reactions to sensory stimuli like lights and sounds, including crowds like those at Memorial Stadium! Allow them to get a quick break if needed and then go back to enjoying the game.
  3. Display openness – If you encounter a child with autism, giving an open facial expression to show acceptance can bring comfort to both the caregiver and child!
  4. Take cues from the caregiver – It’s okay to ask the caregiver of a child with autism if there’s any way you can provide support! Even if they decline the offer, they may appreciate your openness and willingness to understand instead of just turning away or avoiding.
sensory bags

Sensory Bags

The IU football team at Memorial Stadium with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys. These help guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. By helping ease sensory overload, sensory bags help create events that are welcoming to everyone. All items in the bag are thoroughly cleaned between uses. For sensory friendly experiences in Indianapolis, click the button below.

Sensory Activities