Sensory Environment

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

A sensory-friendly environment is a space that is designed to reduce sensory overload and support individuals with sensory processing differences or sensory sensitivities.
Accommodations that are made can help individuals who may be sensitive to noise, lighting, crowds, and other forms of stimulation.
Providing these spaces helps foster participation and inclusion for people of all abilities.

Sensory-friendly hours are designated times that support those who may experience sensory sensitivities.
These hours, or time slots, support inclusion for individuals with autism, sensory processing disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), anxiety disorders, and others who may benefit from low-stimulation environments.
Examples of sensory-friendly hour accommodations include low lighting, reduced noise, limited capacity, quiet areas, and reduced scents. Including visual supports, such as maps and social stories, is also helpful in creating sensory-friendly events.

A designated quiet area is a low-stimulation space provided during an event that allows attendees to take a break from sensory input. These spaces are typically a dimly lit, out-of-sight area with seating free of clutter.
Providing a designated quiet area is important for those with sensory sensitivities to allow for breaks when an unexpected event happens that results in sensory overload.
Providing information on this area's location and proximity to the event is helpful in increasing awareness and accessibility for attendees.

A social story is a visual support that helps individuals understand what is planned to happen at an event.
Social stories typically provide pictures and simple text to guide the individual through the event to reduce anxiety when faced with unexpected situations.
For event planning purposes, a social story can be provided at check-in for an event. It may include pictures of what is to be expected at the event with simple written text paired with first-person language. This format is similar to a pamphlet, but more focused on the basic elements of the event.

If your event includes specific sensory-friendly accommodations and features, advertise them. This will increase the chance of individuals feeling included in your event and in the community.

Individuals with lived experience can give feedback that courses and trainings cannot.
Keeping the feedback focused on the individual and their needs is important in conveying the message that you want your event to be accessible to them.