How the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is advancing community health through sensory inclusion.
By Randi Okray
When most people think of public health, they often picture hospitals, clinics, or vaccines. But community health is also built on trust, safety, and how well we care for the emotional and psychological needs of all residents. That includes individuals with sensory processing challenges — those who may find everyday environments overwhelming due to loud sounds, bright lights, or large crowds.
Recognizing this often-overlooked aspect of public health, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has taken a historic step: becoming the first sheriff’s office in Georgia to earn Sensory Inclusive™ certification from KultureCity®, the world’s leading nonprofit for sensory accessibility and inclusion of those with invisible disabilities and sensory needs. This milestone marks more than a procedural achievement — it signals a shift in how law enforcement connects with, supports, and protects its most vulnerable residents.
What sensory inclusion means for public health
Sensory sensitivities are common for individuals with conditions such as autism, dementia, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other neurological challenges. According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children in the United States has a developmental disability — many of which include sensory processing challenges — and an estimated 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Beyond childhood, countless adults live with conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, or dementia, all of which can make everyday environments overwhelming.
The inability to regulate sensory input can lead to distress, behavioral episodes, or health complications — particularly in environments not equipped to accommodate those needs. In high-stress scenarios involving law enforcement, these vulnerabilities can be exacerbated if officers do not have appropriate training or tools.
Training tailored for real-world situations
Every deputy in the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has earned a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification, meaning they have undergone specialized training created by leading medical experts, neurodivergent individuals, and mental health professionals. The training, which typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, is designed to equip first responders with actionable knowledge and practical strategies they can apply in real time.
The curriculum covers a range of scenarios and includes modules such as:
- Understanding the different conditions that may cause sensory sensitivities (autism, dementia, PTSD, anxiety, brain injury, etc.).
- Recognizing early signs of sensory overload.
- Adjusting communication to reduce stress, including the use of visual aids, cue cards, and nonverbal techniques.
- Safe and supportive de-escalation practices.
- Familiarity with tools commonly found in sensory bags and how to offer them appropriately.
This blend of technical knowledge and real-world scenarios ensures deputies not only know what to do, but why it matters.
These resources include both the knowledge to adapt communication techniques — such as using simple language, slowing the pace of interaction, and offering clear, non-threatening body language — as well as the physical tools needed to provide comfort and support in the moment. As part of the initiative, the Sheriff’s Office now offers sensory bags equipped with items such as noise-canceling headphones (donated by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. These tools can offer instant relief to those experiencing sensory distress, helping prevent potential medical issues or unnecessary escalations.
“Our mission is to serve and protect every individual in Cobb County, and that means ensuring we meet the needs of all members of our community,” said Sheriff Craig Owens. “By becoming a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified agency, we are taking an important step forward in ensuring that individuals with sensory sensitivities feel safe and supported when they interact with our deputies.”
Bridging gaps between law enforcement and health
The connection between public safety and public health is becoming increasingly evident. Sheriff Owens and his leadership team understand that law enforcement plays a pivotal role in supporting the emotional well-being of the community, not just its physical safety. From mental health transports to the implementation of wellness initiatives for both staff and detainees, the agency’s approach emphasizes health equity and inclusivity.
This certification adds a powerful tool to that strategy. When deputies are trained to identify sensory needs, they can better serve children, veterans, elders, and others who may experience invisible challenges. This isn’t just good policing; it’s trauma-informed care.
The program also strengthens community trust. Parents of children with autism, for example, can now feel more confident knowing that if their child becomes overwhelmed in a public setting, deputies are equipped to respond calmly and helpfully. This reduces the fear that often comes with public interactions for these families and builds a bridge between them and public services.
Partnerships rooted in community care
The Sheriff’s Office began exploring sensory inclusion after conversations with community members highlighted gaps in how invisible disabilities were understood during public safety interactions. The leadership team, under Sheriff Craig Owens, reached out to KultureCity after seeing its successful partnerships with major public venues and healthcare organizations. The alignment between KultureCity’s mission of inclusion and the agency’s commitment to community health made the partnership a natural fit.
Tools, training, and technology
The implementation of KultureCity’s training and resources has been smooth and thorough. The Sheriff’s Office learned directly from professionals who have lived experience with sensory conditions, ensuring that the training is both informative and empathetic.
In addition to staff training and sensory bag deployment, the KultureCity App plays an essential role in accessibility. Available for free on the iOS or Android app stores, the app allows users to view which sensory features are available at the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. It also offers a Social Story — a visual guide that prepares individuals with sensory needs for what to expect. This is particularly helpful in reducing anxiety for both children and adults who benefit from routine and structure.
About KultureCity and its reach
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, KultureCity is the nation’s leading nonprofit focused on making the world more accessible for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. The organization has partnered with more than 3,400 venues and partners across 25 countries, including locations throughout the United States and around the world such as the following:
- NFL, NBA, and MLB stadiums
- Museums
- Zoos and aquariums
- Churches and houses of worship
- Schools and colleges
In Georgia, the growing recognition of sensory inclusion has led many public spaces to become certified Sensory Inclusive. Now, Cobb County is leading the way for public safety by becoming the first county in the state to have first responders certified through KultureCity. This distinction places Cobb County among a pioneering group dedicated to ensuring accessibility for individuals with sensory needs — proving that inclusivity is as essential in emergency response as it is in entertainment and community spaces.
Recognition and the road ahead
To honor this milestone, the official Sensory Inclusive certification was presented to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office during its Apr. 1, 2025, community briefing. Dan Vasquenza, activist and partnership lead for KultureCity, personally delivered the certification to Sheriff Owens, commending the office’s leadership in promoting inclusivity.
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Sheriff Owens is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated,” said Vasquenza.
This achievement isn’t a final destination; it’s a launching point. Sheriff Owens and his team are already exploring ways to expand inclusive practices across more facilities and community events. By setting a new standard for what law enforcement can and should do to support sensory needs, Cobb County is paving the way for counties across Georgia and beyond.
A vision of healthy, inclusive communities
Public health means more than preventing illness; it’s about ensuring every person feels seen, safe, and supported in the spaces they occupy. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is proving that law enforcement agencies can be champions of that vision.
For many residents, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or invisible disabilities, this new certification means peace of mind. It means the next time they or their loved ones interact with a deputy, they can trust they’ll be met with understanding — not confusion or fear. And in that trust, a healthier, more inclusive community takes shape.
To learn more about the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and its initiatives, visit cobbsheriff.org and follow across all social media channels. To learn more about KultureCity, visit KultureCity.org.
Randi Okray is the Senior Department Communication and Public Relations Specialist for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.
