Sensory friendly
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sensory friendly refers to a designed environment which is an accommodation for people who have a sensory dysfunction or a sensory processing disorder. There are sensory-friendly experiences which are offered by businesses and there is also sensory-friendly furniture.
Adults and children who report a sensory dysfunction or a sensory-integration disturbance often also present with a learning disability. A sensory-friendly environment is created to assist those with a sensory processing disorder (SPD). The disorder is characterized by a hypersensitivity to stimuli accompanied by anxiety.[1] The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation believes that there may be as many as one in every 20 people living with a sensory processing disorder.[2] Sources debate whether SPD is an independent disorder or represents the observed symptoms of various other, more well-established, disorders.[3][4][5][6] SPD is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association,[7][8] and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended in 2012 that pediatricians not use SPD as a stand-alone diagnosis.[7]
Autism
Autistic people often experience sensory overload when they are in their communities. To accommodate those with these specific disabilities, some businesses offer sensory-friendly hours for shopping, eating or attending community events.[9]
For autistic adults, modification of the workplace environment includes softened lighting, reduced noise and partitions around work areas.[10]
PTSD and dementia
Sensory challenges are often experienced by people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dementia. Sensory-friendly areas of venues might include noise-cancelling headphones or quieter areas where guests can relax.[11][12]
Venues
Some theaters offer sensory-friendly film showings. For this type of showing, the sound is turned down, and the lights inside the theater are brighter.[13] The theaters also allow attendees to move around during the presentation, and even converse with the screen. The diminished stimulation is considered sensory friendly.[14][15]
The Betty Brinn Children's Museum sells a Sensory-Friendly Play Pass to accommodate children who are in need of a calmer, quieter space.[16] The Marbles Kids Museum hosts an event for families to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment, which is considered sensory-friendly playtime. They call it "Lights Up, Sound Down".[17]
Designs
The Target Corporation tailored furniture that they sell to what they called sensory-friendly designs. They also advertise weighted blankets which they say are "calming".[18] In June of 2022 the Milwaukee Brewers major league baseball team announced that they would designate a quiet area at American Family Field with sensory bags to accommodate those with sensory processing disorders. They stated that they would have "sensory bags" which will contain noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy, verbal cue cards and a weighted lap pad.[2]
Organizations
KultureCity is a nonprofit organization which provides training and certification for venues and events to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities. The organization also provides a software application for Apple and Android devices which lists sensory-friendly venues. The application also lists sensory-inclusive modifications.[13] Their motto is: "Make the nevers possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities".[19]
Another organization which provides sensory-friendly kits, tools and suggestions to transform any space into a sensory-inclusive space is Sensory City. The organization also provides a sensory-friendly certificate to businesses.[20]
