KultureCity: One Family’s Campaign to Make the World a More Friendly Place for Kids Battling Autism

A nonprofit seeks to make the world more hospitable to those on the autism spectrum

(Courtesy of KultureCity)

Julian and Michele Maha are your typical “American dream” family. They live in a Birmingham suburb with two kids, a house, and two cars. It’s all there, even the furry pet in the backyard. But this American dream ended up dealing the Mahas a sobering reality. Their 14-year-old son Abram is autistic.

On a recent evening, the Mahas were making dinner. Their sons were nearby. Juda was doing his homework, and Abram was tapping his chest and gazing into the distance like he heard his name being called from a faraway land. “That’s his way of self-regulating,” Julian said. “Autistic kids have to recalibrate.”

Julian and Michele discovered Abram’s diagnosis when his progress at daycare lagged. They took him to the doctor, who diagnosed him with autism. The Mahas felt the ground crack open underneath their feet, creating a dark and deep chasm that would irrevocably alter their lives. “We were in a small and cold room, and the doctor told us that Abram will never say mommy and daddy, that we should place him in an institution,” Michele said, echoes of that tense memory reverberating in her gaze. “It was devastating, to be told your kid has no future, utterly devastating.”

The Maha family (L to R): Abram, Julian, Juda, and Michele. (Karim Shamsi-Basha for American Essence)

Michele and Julian drove home with little Abram in the back. They were crying and trying to comfort each other, all the while wondering what life would be like for their beautiful child. Things were rough at first. Not many autism resources were available, and children with invisible disabilities were shunned. As time passed, the Mahas discovered Abram was much like other kids. Sure, he was different, but he could still be a productive member of society, provided he was accepted and given the same opportunities as everyone else.

That was when the idea of KultureCity burgeoned.

“KultureCity began when we realized our story was not unique,” Julian said. “We knew families going through similar situations without any help. There’s a huge cultural misunderstanding when it comes to invisible disabilities. We want to change that mindset. We want to change the culture.”

For the past seven years, KultureCity has shifted how people handle invisible disabilities. Their inclusion practices are now practiced in over 900 sports, culture, and arts venues; and their curriculum is taught in 45 U.S. states, as well as Canada, England, Australia, and Japan.

At large venues, KultureCity provides sensory kits, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and ID cards. They also create sensory rooms where disabled individuals can take a break and reset. According to the census, one in six individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability. These include PTSD, autism, dementia, and strokes.

Michele reflects on two vastly different paths she has taken with her family over the last seven years. “It has been absolutely incredible. We have accomplished a lot, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Julian and I have been blessed to be a part of this two-fold journey: organizational with KultureCity, and personal with our beloved son Abram.”

In addition to working with sporting venues, cultural attractions, and schools, KultureCity is now training first responders. Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are on the front lines.

Sensory kits provided by KultureCity help autistic children feel more comfortable in large venues. (Courtesy of KultureCity)

“First responders are critical. In a time of crisis, a lot hinges on how they deal with disabled victims,” Michele said. “Schools are also important. KultureCity trains teachers and creates safe spaces for disabled kids to decompress so they can continue learning. These children are often not accepted in their schools, and we are working toward changing that.”

KultureCity is planning several events around the country to raise awareness. In Birmingham this August, for example, the star-studded KultureBall will be the event of the year, with rapper Vanilla Ice performing. Events like this further the goals of KultureCity. “When it comes to invisible disabilities, we are committed to changing the culture to be preemptive and preventive rather than reactive,” Michele said. “Culture change does not happen overnight. We have a vision and a goal that everyone in the world is included. The fight has to continue. I don’t know when we will get there, but we will.”

Julian and Michele are ensuring phrases such as “sensory inclusion” are not only in the vernacular, but they are understood and practiced in all cultures. “To see where we are today is overwhelming and heart-warming,” Michele said. She squeezed Julian’s hand, adding, “I’ll never forget seeing this boy at his first basketball game ever. He was wearing the headphones and watching with big eyes and a bigger grin. This kid was never able to go to a game, never able to attend a concert, never able to go to a museum, never and never and never. The joy on his face said those nevers are now possible.”

​This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.