Christopher Jackson and his wife Veronica became advocates for autism and serve on the National Board of KultureCity, a nonprofit that helps provide sensory-inclusive rooms and support for families and individuals, following their son’s autism diagnosis in 2007.
By: Heather Newgen
Christopher Jackson is doing his part to ensure autistic people can enjoy a live stage show, which can oftentimes be a struggle for people on the spectrum. Autistics can find it difficult to engage in social settings and Jackson is doing what he can to support the community.
“As someone in the arts, I perform in certain venues and to be able to make all of these venues sensory inclusive so that a sibling, a spouse, a relative, a friend, they can participate. You don’t have to stay hidden away and feel like they can’t join the rest of society in the way that they want to. They can have the freedom to move about and if they happen to need some help in the midst of that we’re there to do that,” he told The Voluntourist at the 30th Anniversary of PBS National Memorial Day Concert where he paid tribute to the military.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 26: Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson performs at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)
His son, CJ, was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and Jackson and his wife made it their mission to help others.
“I’m involved with an organization called KultureCity and what we do is we go into concert venues, arenas and we build sensory inclusive rooms for folks who need that support. Children with autism, my son is autistic, but also soldiers–veterans who have sensory issues, PTSD, who want to go out and participate in the world, but sometimes need a break. We build sensory rooms where someone can just go and decompress a little bit and still be a part of it.”
He continued, “We also create sensory bags that have noise cancellation headphones, they have fidget toys that can help desensitize a little bit so that families, people who have sensory needs can be met. We also train the staff of the venues and arenas so that when someone is in distress, you have someone there who can guide them where they need to go and offer some sort of support.”
The Tony-nominated Broadway star who originated the role of George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ is all about using his platform to bring awareness to autism.
“People need help and people need to know they are regarded and that there’s a place for them. This helps us do that.”
To see Jackson perform at the National Memorial Day Concert click here.