Anne spent most of her life feeling misunderstood until she was diagnosed with Autism later in life. Everything started to eventually make sense, even more so, when her family was all diagnosed with ASD and they begin this new journey together. She wants to write about all of this because sometimes one’s struggles are silent and only through efforts towards inclusion can we all be more comfortable to communicate our struggles. And as someone who is rejection sensitive, she often fails to communicate her struggles because she anticipates that her struggles will lead to further rejection and the cycle continues. She hopes that sharing her vulnerabilities leads to at least one person better understanding themselves or an Autistic loved one. She is looking forward to sharing more specifics about her struggles as a neurodiverse family residing in Pennsylvania.
View all postsAn Unforgettable Experience: Pavilion at Star Lake
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Over the years, I have faced numerous disability-related challenges. I’ve come to realize that although numerous places are labeled as accessible, there’s often a lack of deep understanding regarding the true meaning of accessibility. When you do come across someone who understands, it can restore your faith in humanity.
Most of my challenges have been related to sensory sensitivities, but recently, I’ve also struggled with physical difficulties.
Some history: I fractured my foot about thirteen years ago. It was a ridiculous situation caused by my own lack of spatial awareness and coordination. In April of this year, I managed to break the same foot, in the same spot. I didn’t think I broke it at first, but then ended up in a brace only this time, I’m in my forties and I ended up needing a cane too. I find it incredibly difficult to ask for help in most situations because I am usually the leader. However, this situation dictated my need to accept my limitations.
I bought lawn tickets to an Imagine Dragons concert when I found out they were performing in Pittsburgh, as they’re one of my husband’s top bands. He and Dan Reynolds share the same challenging health condition. It was around ten years ago that my husband first got me into their music.
Their music became part of our lives, our kids grew up listening to it, and I felt it saved our marriage at one point. Buying those tickets for our family was the best gift I could think of to celebrate his upcoming 40th birthday and my eldest’s birthday.
With the event approaching, I attempted to contact the Pavilion at Star Lake by leaving several voice messages. As the weekend before the concert arrived and I still hadn’t received a response, my concern escalated. I then used LinkedIn to locate and message the general manager. Promptly within the hour, I was greeted with a warm text message response from Tim Barnes, Experience Manager at the Pavilion at Star Lake.
I had never been to the venue, and I needed to determine the walking expectations because I was worried about being the ball and chain on my family trying to get around at the venue. I had purchased tailgate tickets and had no idea where the accessible parking would be.
I asked Tim about the rental lawn chair upgrade because I wasn’t sure I could manage carrying on to the lawn with the cane. He assured me that he would get us to where we needed to go that day, just to text him when we arrived.
I ended up texting him two days before because we were considering some of the upgrades available. He mentioned that he had arranged for different seats that were more accessible. I was relieved but had no idea what was in store.
I reached out to a colleague in Pittsburgh to inquire about his experience with the venue, as I was contemplating getting VIP Club Access for an upcoming event. He advised me to hold off on making that decision because his cousin is employed there and managed to secure VIP Club Access for his wife and their friends recently. He offered to contact his cousin on my behalf and get back to me, although he mentioned he couldn’t guarantee anything.
The day of the concert arrives, and my kids are over the moon excited. My colleague messages and says, “My cousin was able to add you and your family to the VIP Club Access list – Have an amazing time!”
As we were driving to the venue from our hotel, Tim messaged, ‘Looking forward to meeting you; let me know when you arrive.
As mentioned in many of my previous blog posts, my entire household includes varying degrees of neurodivergent conditions with varying degrees of ability. All three of my children are on the spectrum in different places. My oldest has sensory sensitivities to sound, so they had their noise canceling headset. My middle child has ADHD and struggles to remain engaged in any activity for too long. My youngest’s diagnosis includes oppositional defiance disorder, so I never really know how that may show up in situations.
Once we arrived, the challenge then became how to keep the kids engaged without fighting with each other from 2:30-5pm in the parking lot. We had planned well and packed a cooler of food, electronic devices, and a pop-up tent – so we were successful. At 5pm the gates opened, then I messaged Tim that we were at the West Gate.
My colleague had mentioned that they had games for kids at the VIP Club Access area, Tim was happy to help us get over there on a golf cart. I deeply appreciated the gesture, as my foot was already tired and aching, and I had accidentally parked at the farthest gate. My kids thought the golf cart ride was part of the VIP treatment and were so incredibly excited.
The VIP Club Access was such an incredible upgrade. Though it was a gracious blessing from a colleague, I would absolutely pay for it up front next time. It offered an area where my kids passed two hours easily and happy. The private seating, restaurant/bar section, bathrooms with toiletry amenities, merchandise area, smoking section and firepits were well maintained and the staff were incredibly kind and gracious. [The complimentary amenities included water, popcorn, cookies, battery-operated fans, and earplugs—perfect for those with sensory issues.]
Tim guided us to the accessible seating area, which I would definitely consider for future events owing to its excellent and unobstructed view. Throughout the evening, he checked in with us regularly.
Imagine Dragons were incredible. Their show was, hands down, one of the best musical performances I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve been to Broadway shows in Toronto and NYC.
It was obvious that they love and appreciate their fans. I cried tears of joy when they sang “What I Got” by Sublime, reminiscent of my youth. Dan spoke words of gratitude for the fans of 15+ years, but also to their children, the next generation of fans on the importance of never giving up on life, no matter the challenges we face.
After the show, we made our way over to the VIP Club Access firepit/table area and each family member shared our favorite moments of the show. I was grateful for those private bathrooms after the show because I needed to decompress because I got overwhelmed by the crowds of people racing to their cars.
At the end of the night, Tim gave us a ride back to our car via the golf cart. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without his incredible kindness. I will forever appreciate the accessible accommodations we received at the Pavilion at Star Lake. I strongly suggest this venue for parents of children with neurodiversity and Autistic adults. I recommend you reach out to Tim Barnes, Experience Manager if you have unique needs or even questions about accessibility. (You can find his contact information listed on their accessibility page.)
I know we will look back on this experience with fondness. I will certainly do Whatever It Takes to see Imagine Dragons, if the opportunity presents itself and would return to the Pavilion at Star Lake for future concerts.
Anne Brown
