Fly Eagles Fly on The Way to Accessibility

The stage is set for the big game on February 9^th between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, I’m a Cincinnati Bengals fan, but since they didn’t make it to the big game this year, I’ll just pacify myself with the hope that we’ll make it next year. As always, I’m looking for a story from the two competing teams regarding disability inclusion that I can blog about. This year, the Eagles have something that I believe is blog-worthy.

Like I always say, society often forgets about people with disabilities unless the one with a disability is a family member.

Jeffrey Lurie, the chairperson and CEO of the Eagles, loves his brother Peter. Although Peter has autism and is nonverbal, his disability never tarnished the strong brotherly bond the two developed. When you love your siblings, it doesn’t matter what’s wrong with him or her because all you’ll want to do is make sure their life is ok. I know this firsthand because I’m a part of the Super Coopers and my brothers and sister are always trying to make things right for me.  If we go somewhere and I can’t get in because it’s not accessible, you’ll witness advocacy at its best!

As children, Jeffrey was aware of Peter’s struggles to fit in with the community. When he became chairperson and CEO of the Eagles, he never forgot about the struggles his brother faced and vowed to make the space that he managed inclusive for all.

Jeffrey was instrumental in the development of the Eagles Autism Foundation. He then turned his attention to creating a sensory room at the stadium. The room was created for people with autism and other disabilities to have somewhere to chill when attending an Eagles game, and the experience becomes overwhelming. If you have never been to an Eagles game, I’ve heard it is loud.

Because of this room, no one has to feel uncomfortable. Often, when a person with autism is at an event that’s too loud or overstimulating, he or she will have to leave. This typically means that the entire family must go as well. Thanks to this unique room, everyone gets to enjoy the event.

I would also think this sensory room gives a person with autism a sense of dignity. No one wants to be looked down on when he or she goes through something. Just having a space to go and relax can really make a difference.

Let’s applaud the Eagles for seeing a need and doing something about it. May other sports teams follow their lead.  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43209009