Winning Spirit Magazine May - June AZ CA 2018 | Page 7

UTAH Bringing Down the Noise Vivint Smart Home Arena Unveils New Autism-friendly Room ADR Vivint Smart Home Arena officially opened a new special place in March in conjunction with Autism Awareness Week. A sensory room, designed and built by Vivint Gives Back and the Jazz, debuted on Level 5 at Vivint Smart Home Arena for children with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide a safe haven for youth with conditions related to neurodiversity. The room features a variety of games and tools to help provide a sense of calm or stimulation, including state-of-the-art multisensory stations, play therapy stations, and activity panels. The space also leverages technology stations featuring Apple iPads and provides relaxing spaces for children and their families, including quiet cubbies that allow for alone time. The room is open for Jazz games as well as other events hosted at Vivint Smart Home Arena. “We’re honored to partner with the Utah Jazz to recognize these extraordinary children and create an innovative space for them at the Vivint Smart Home Arena,” said Todd Pedersen, CEO of Vivint Smart Home. “As a leading smart home company, we’re committed to helping families affected by autism by making it easier for them to keep their children safe, both at home and at the arena.” The Jazz participated in Autism Awareness Week with “Light It Up Blue” glow sticks illuminating the arena for the March 30 game. Youth with autism stood with members of the Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies during the National Anthem. Vivint Gives Back purchased more than 800 tickets for families with children on the autism spectrum. Jazz players Alec Burks, Danté Exum, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles, and Ricky Rubio also donated their blocks of tickets to local schools and non-profit groups that work with autistic children. ​◆ TCJ BNT LHMWSM.com 5