A Cape Coral-based organization aimed at inclusion and education for those on the spectrum celebrated the opening of a special room at the home of the Minnesota Twins Spring Training facility.

A partnership with the Twins, Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and Family Initiative, Inc., resulted in a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last Friday that unveiled a state-of-the-art sensory room – believed to be the first of its kind in the Grapefruit League.

“We’re thrilled,” said Family Initiative President and co-founder David Brown. “The partnership with the Twins and Lee County; just to have the vision and execution to make this a reality for our families and the families that we love, it’s just been an awesome experience.

“Baseball is a huge part of our community in Southwest Florida, and to make it accessible and inclusive for everybody was an unbelievable opportunity to work together to make it happen. It’s a great feeling.”

An afternoon or evening out at the ballpark is a great way to spend some time with the family, and now, those with individuals on the spectrum can come to the park and have a place to go if the sights and sounds of the game overwhelm a member of the group.

“We feel Lee County has been very progressive in trying to build an atmosphere in every aspect of our community that allows for inclusion,” Brown said. “Pursuing this was a no-brainer for us. It’s another logical step forward. The county’s ascending view is to be an inclusive place for families with special needs. We’re honored to be on this project. A lot of our dads grew up playing baseball, and have passion for the sport. For a lot of different reasons related to their situations, they were reluctant to bring the whole family out to a ballgame. There’s a lot going on at a baseball stadium. Sensory wise, it can be tough for individuals on the spectrum.”

Every game will have clinicians working in the room to assist those that may be having a challenging time with the atmosphere of a game. The room is located right off of the third base line behind sections 115 and 116 at Lee Health Sports Complex. During the first game the room was open, there were 91 individuals who used the space.

The room features the ability to dim the lights, has crash pads, headphones they can take out to their seats, sensory and fidget toys, fiber optics, and more tools designed to meet varying needs of sensory domains that may be triggering.

From vision to execution, Brown said the project took only seven to eight months.

“The space is beautiful,” Brown said. “A lot of different features are through it that highlight baseball and the Twins’ commitment to special-needs families. I think families will be over the moon to get to use this space and have it available.”

Brown had nothing but positive things to say about the partnership with Lee County and the Twins, and is proud that Family Initiative is getting out in front on inclusivity. At Target Field in Minnesota, there also is a sensory room for families to use. Now, there’s one at the club’s spring home. Brown said he’s already received messages from other teams asking Family Initiative on how they set up the sensory room, and potential partnerships in creating one at their ballpark.

“It’s great to be able to set the tone and put this conversation out there across baseball,” Brown said. “What else can teams do to make sure the game is inclusive for everyone?”

Established in 2015, Family Initiative is a nonprofit organization based in Cape Coral, dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults impacted by ASD through innovative programs and evidence-based therapies. Family Initiative provides clinical services, educational programs, and community support, empowering individuals and families across Southwest Florida.

The Minnesota Twins Spring Training facility is at the Lee Health Sports Complex at Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

For more information about Family Initiative, visit FI-Florida.org or call 239-910-0712.