Inclusion Is More Than an Invitation: Our Experience at an Atlanta Hawks Game

Editor’s Note: This reflection is shared to elevate the voices of neurodivergent families and emphasize that accessibility requires more than access. It requires planning, communication, and follow-through. Our goal is to encourage dialogue and stronger inclusion practices across community partnerships.

Horizon Over the Spectrum is grateful for opportunities that allow families of children with disabilities to participate in community events and experiences. Representation and access matter, particularly for neurodivergent children and their caregivers who are often excluded from public spaces.

Recently, our organization participated in a community event hosted by the Atlanta Hawks. While we appreciate being selected to attend, our experience highlighted the importance of intentional planning when engaging families who require accessibility accommodations. Inclusion is more than an invitation.

Upon arrival on Sunday, February 22, 2026, several families (including mine) experienced a delay in ticket access due to an administrative oversight, which resulted in waiting outside in cold weather for nearly 30 minutes. Once tickets were issued, our group was seated in separate sections. For children on the autism spectrum, separation from caregivers and familiar supports can be distressing, particularly in highly stimulating environments such as large sports venues.

We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of onsite staff who worked to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At the same time, this experience underscores a broader lesson: inclusion is not only about providing access, but about ensuring continuity, communication, and thoughtful execution, especially during staff transitions.

Horizon Over the Spectrum shares this experience in the spirit of advocacy and growth. We believe community partnerships are strongest when organizations are willing to learn from lived experiences and refine systems to better serve diverse families.

We remain committed to collaboration and dialogue and look forward to opportunities where accessibility and inclusion are embedded at every stage of the experience: from arrival to departure.

Our Mission at Horizon Over the Spectrum:

Horizon Over the Spectrum, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum and their families through inclusive programming, community partnerships, and advocacy initiatives that promote accessibility, equity, and belonging.