The Iris Program

Supporting Neurodiversity in Knoxville, TN

The new Iris Program aims to offer sensory and neurodivergent accommodations at key community and event locations when an individual might need support. The program functions as a partnership between Visit Knoxville and UT Medical.

The Iris Program's mission is to create a welcoming environment for everyone, including supporting individuals with hidden disabilities at key community events.

Participants are residents or visitors who voluntarily enroll in the Program will be provided with a wristband to wear at key events. Opting into the Program does not offer participants special privileges pertaining to entrance lines or seating, but the Program does offer an educated response as needs arise during key events. The discreet silicon wristband functions as a signal that Iris Program wristband wearers may need patience, understanding, or assistance. Event staff will be aware of the Iris Program and trained in helping to connect Program participants with UT Medical's Event Medicine team, as needed.

Participation in the Iris Program is completely voluntary, and anyone with hidden disabilities who could benefit from this support should opt into the program using this Iris Program jotform.

The May 2, 2026 Luke Combs concert at Neyland Stadium will serve as the pilot event for the new Iris Program initiative. Therefore, event attendees who could benefit from the Program should opt in by Friday, April 24, 2026.

After completing the jotform, program participants can then pick-up their wristband at the Sunsphere Welcome Center April 27 – May 2 (10am – 5pm, except 12:30 – 1:30pm for lunch closure). Wristbands will not be available at the event, so individuals who would like to participate in the pilot event must pick-up their wristband in advance.