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Lessons from an Arts and Culture Workshop: Designing Inclusive Virtual Experiences
Virtual meetings and workshops have become a part of everyday life, but for individuals with sensory sensitivities, these spaces can often feel overwhelming. In fact, loud audio, bright visuals, and unpredictable interactions can lead to sensory overload, making participation challenging or even impossible.
The good news is that sensory-friendly virtual workshops are not only possible but also highly effective at creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps on how to create sensory-friendly virtual workshops, drawing inspiration from a workshop hosted by The Andy Warhol Museum that our team attended to learn from!
What Makes Virtual Spaces Overwhelming?
Imagine joining a Zoom call filled with unfamiliar faces. In addition, scattered chatter and overlapping voices dominate the audio. Cluttered workspaces and brightly colored virtual backgrounds add to the visual noise. Meanwhile, dogs bark, children move in and out of the frame, and participants unintentionally interrupt each other. Amid all this, the host presents an animated slideshow packed with distracting images and videos.
For someone with sensory sensitivities, this common scenario can lead to sensory overload. Moreover, sensory overload occurs when excessive stimuli overwhelm a person’s ability to process their environment comfortably. This is why creating sensory-friendly virtual workshops is essential. Furthermore, it’s not just about reducing distractions—it’s about fostering a space where everyone feels safe, included, and able to engage fully.
“The best way to create accessible programs is to make sure you are accommodating a variety of learning styles. Affirming spaces where people of all abilities can learn and create, however it suits them, can be a conduit for connection in these times of deep disconnect.”
Shannon Thompson, Inclusions Program Coordinator, The Andy Warhol Museum
Practical Tips for Hosting Sensory-Friendly Online Events
Based on our experience attending a sensory-friendly workshop hosted by The Andy Warhol Museum, here are actionable tips to create a more inclusive virtual environment:
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Share a sensory story | Prepares participants by outlining what to expect, reducing anxiety and surprises. |
| Limit the number of attendees | Creates a calm, manageable environment with fewer distractions. |
| Provide clear instructions | Helps participants feel confident and prepared to engage. |
| Minimize background noise | Reduces sensory overload by muting unnecessary sounds. |
| Use simple visuals | Avoids overstimulation with clean, focused graphics and minimal text. |
| Encourage optional participation | Respects individual comfort levels, empowering participants to engage in their own way. |
| Incorporate frequent breaks | Supports participants in managing their sensory needs and maintaining focus. |
| Record the session | Allows attendees to revisit the event at their own pace, enhancing accessibility. |
A Real-World Example: The Andy Warhol Museum’s Inclusive Workshop
We had the opportunity to attend a sensory-friendly virtual workshop hosted by The Andy Warhol Museum. This hour-long session was designed specifically for individuals with autism, creating a safe and supportive space to explore Andy Warhol’s early works and create art inspired by his techniques.
What Made This Workshop Stand Out?
- Preparation: Participants received a sensory story in advance, describing what to expect during the workshop. This eliminated surprises and helped attendees feel more prepared.
- Thoughtful Pacing: The facilitator maintained a steady pace, incorporating time for participants to read slides and complete art activities. Breaks were encouraged, giving participants the flexibility to manage their sensory needs.
- Low-Sensory Design:
- Only the facilitator’s microphone remained on, creating a quiet and calm audio environment.
- Sharing artwork and turning on cameras were optional, respecting participants’ comfort levels.
- Minimalist slides with simple text and graphics ensured a distraction-free experience.
- Accessibility: With participants’ consent, the session was recorded, allowing attendees to revisit the content later if needed.
By making these intentional choices, The Andy Warhol Museum set a powerful example of how to create sensory-friendly virtual workshops.
FAQs About Sensory-Friendly Virtual Workshops
What is a sensory-friendly virtual workshop?
A sensory-friendly virtual workshop is designed to minimize sensory triggers, such as loud sounds or busy visuals, to create a calm and inclusive environment for participants with sensory sensitivities.
Why are sensory stories important?
Sensory stories prepare participants by outlining what they can expect during an event, reducing anxiety and making the experience more predictable.
Who benefits from sensory-friendly practices?
While these practices are essential for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, they also benefit anyone who might feel overwhelmed in virtual environments. Read on:
- Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
- Demystifying Sensory Sensitivity and Overload for Business
- Feeling the World on High Alert: Hypersensitivity Uncovered
- How to Manage Sensory Overload in Adults
Can sensory-friendly practices be applied to any type of event?
Absolutely. These strategies can enhance accessibility for virtual meetings, training sessions, educational workshops, and more.
Final Thoughts on Creating Sensory-Friendly Virtual Workshops
Attending The Andy Warhol Museum’s workshop provided valuable insights into how to create sensory-friendly virtual workshops that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Simple adjustments like providing a sensory story, minimizing noise, and using clean visuals can transform the virtual experience into one that supports and respects participants’ needs.
By adopting these practices, organizations can foster inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement in the virtual space.
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Explore Sensory-Friendly Arts and Culture
Finally, discover how sensory-friendly practices are transforming the arts and culture sector. Check out our curated blogs on festivals, museums, theaters, and more to inspire inclusive and welcoming experiences!
- Sensory Friendly Museums: A Guide for Inclusive Experiences
- Unveiling a World of Art for All: a Case Study
- How to Make an Art Show Sensory Friendly
- Case Study: Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion at CB Nuit
- How to Make a Music Festival Sensory-Friendly
Finally, here are our latest blogs:
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Christel Seeberger, BSc. O.T., is a regulated health care professional with over 30 years of experience in sensory disorders, disabilities and adapting environments. As someone with a hearing disability, Christel brings her personal lived experience with an invisible disability, sensory sensitivity and sensory overload to her work. In 2016, she founded Sensory Friendly Solutions to create a more sensory-friendly, accessible, and inclusive world through training, certification, product licensing, and product recognition. Christel’s expertise has been featured in guest blogs, as a radio and podcast guest, and in interviews with numerous media outlets, including CBC, CTV, Global News, AMI, Yahoo Life, the Globe and Mail, and local Fox TV/News.
