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.
Iris Program Readiness Training
In addition to ongoing internal training among the UT Medical's Event Medicine team for awareness and educated response to hidden disabilities, the team is actively preparing venue staff and support teams with training materials and experiences. To support the Iris Program, UT Medical's Event Medicine team has provided an Iris Program training to Knox AMR, UTPD, and usher staff. They will also be going to roll call before the sponsored events to speak to the police departments that will be on scene for the event. The Event Medicine team plans to continue expanding this education to additional event vendors and support partners to increase awareness of hidden disabilities and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for all attendees.
Past & Future Key Events
Previous Events
- Luke Combs: May 2, 2026
- Savannah Bananas: May 23, 2026
Upcoming Events
- Furman at Tennessee: September 5, 2026
- Kennesaw State at Tennessee: September 19, 2026
- Texas at Tennessee: September 26, 2026
- Auburn at Tennessee: October 3, 2026
- Alabama at Tennessee: October 17, 2026
- Kentucky at Tennessee: November 7, 2026
- LSU at Tennessee: November 21, 2026
