Sarah Kovit Hanna is deeply committed to ensuring that her son Jacob, like all children, can experience the same opportunities and joys as his peers. This desire for inclusion led her to establish “The Positivity Spectrum,” an initiative designed to create more accessible environments for children with autism. What started as a nonprofit to help children with autism participate in summer camps has since blossomed into a broader mission to foster inclusive spaces across the community.
“We’ve launched a signature Sensory Saturdays program where we partner with local businesses like the Sky Zone in Boston Heights and the USA Ninja Challenge Gym, and they offer opportunities for our kids to come in and use the spaces in an inclusive and sensory-sensitive way,” Kovit Hanna shared. This program, which began with one location, is rapidly expanding and has quickly garnered attention and support from businesses looking to provide more inclusive options for children with autism and their families.
The first partner in this initiative was the Sky Zone in Boston Heights. Through their participation, they’ve transformed their facilities to accommodate sensory needs, creating a space where children with autism can enjoy activities without the sensory overload that often makes public spaces challenging. Now, a similar program is being rolled out at the USA Ninja Gym in Twinsburg, allowing even more children with autism to enjoy a unique, fun-filled experience that is tailored to their needs.
“Certain things are toned down a little bit so that our autistic children can be safe and happy and not have to worry about certain accommodations being in place for them,” Kovit Hanna explained. This thoughtful approach ensures that the environments are not only accessible but welcoming, allowing children with autism to fully engage in the activities offered.
Marcus Marshall, the manager of Sky Zone in Boston Heights, explained some of the accommodations that have been implemented to create a more comfortable environment for kids with autism. “We dimmed the lights, turned off our games, no music, really tried to you know appease the children, the families, we wanted to make sure that it wasn’t too overstimulating and we wanted to overall just make sure they had a great time,” Marshall said. These adjustments were made with the goal of reducing sensory input that could potentially overwhelm children with autism, creating a calm yet exciting atmosphere where they could have fun without the usual distractions.
The Sensory Saturdays at Sky Zone in Boston Heights take place twice a month on Saturday mornings, offering a safe space for children with autism and their families. While the program is open to everyone, the focus is on ensuring that children with autism feel particularly supported. The sessions are thoughtfully structured to give these children the space and time to enjoy the activities in a way that suits their unique needs.
“We’ve seen pure joy and excitement. I’ve seen families being able to enjoy this environment with their children,” Marshall said, reflecting on the positive impact these sessions have had. The program not only provides children with autism a chance to enjoy activities like their peers, but it also brings families together in a way that fosters connection and shared experiences.
For Kovit Hanna, the success of the program has been nothing short of magical. “I wish every business could see the looks on the parents and the kids’ faces when a place that was previously off-limits because it was too overwhelming suddenly becomes inclusive,” she said. The joy and gratitude displayed by the families who participate in the program are a testament to the profound difference that a little extra thought and care can make in creating inclusive spaces for children with autism.
In addition to the ongoing success of the Sensory Saturdays program, the growth of “The Positivity Spectrum” signals a significant shift in the way the community is approaching inclusivity for children with autism. By partnering with local businesses, Kovit Hanna and her team are showing that with the right accommodations and a willingness to make small changes, public spaces can become welcoming to everyone, regardless of their sensory needs.
This initiative continues to inspire and encourage other businesses to follow suit, demonstrating that creating inclusive environments is not just a possibility—it’s a responsibility that benefits the entire community. The story of “The Positivity Spectrum” is one of hope, transformation, and a reminder that with the right mindset, we can all make a difference in the lives of children with autism.
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