Empowering Inclusivity: Wellpoint Hosts Sensory-Friendly Session at El Paso Comic Con
Since the 1970s, El Paso’s Comic Con has dazzled children and adults alike with spectacular costumes, presentations, and meet-and-greets.
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This high-energy event can overwhelm some Comic Con fans, especially children who are sensitive to sensory stimulation.
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At Wellpoint Texas, we are wholly focused on whole health and its physical, behavioral, and social drivers. Sometimes, that means helping members and communities access critical healthcare services —?and sometimes it means helping them meet their favorite superhero.
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That’s why, this year, we partnered with Mike Dee's Big Adventure for the 4th annual Sensory Friendly Hour at the Comic Con. This special event opened Comic Con up an hour early for people with sensory sensitivities: with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting, and limited crowds, attendees could fully immerse themselves in the magic of Comic Con without the sensory overload that often goes with such events.
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"Wellpoint believes that everyone deserves the chance to be truly healthy —?for many people, especially kids, that means participating fully in special events like Comic-Con,” said Wellpoint Texas President Greg Thompson. “Events like these create connections, remove barriers, and advance health equity in ways that strengthen communities and improve health outcomes.”
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During Sensory Friendly Hour, attendees were greeted with custom Mike Dee's Big Adventure and Wellpoint red capes. From there, they were treated to a variety of activities, special guest appearances, and interactive exhibits. It was a celebration of pop culture where everyone could comfortably participate and enjoy themselves.
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“This event does an incredible job of changing the perception of disabilities within the Hispanic community,” said Alejandra Martinez, a Wellpoint Community Relations representative. “At Comic-Con, you can be whoever you want. Nobody looks at you differently.”
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The free event was a resounding success, with 600 families in attendance — the largest Sensory Friendly Hour yet.
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It was organized by Mike Dee, an El Paso radio host and founder of Mike Dee's Big Adventure — an area non-profit dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs. He said this year’s event showed yet again why organizations, partnerships, and events that serve people with special needs are so important.
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"Providing inclusive and accessible experiences guarantees everyone can enjoy these kinds of activities, no matter their abilities," he said. “This partnership with Wellpoint creates access and equity that improves people’s health and lives.”
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Events such as Sensory Friendly Hour aren’t healthcare activities, but they’re very much about better health. They strengthen communities and help people connect with others. And they demonstrate Wellpoint’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces that meet everyone’s individual health needs — and, sometimes, help them meet their superhero.