Case Study Implementing a Sensory Friendly Coworking Space

From Barriers to Belonging: Transforming the Social Enterprise Hub

In order to create an inclusive environment for their coworking space and office building, the Social Enterprise Hub completed training and a transformation project with Sensory Friendly Solutions. The objective was straightforward, but impactful: create a more sensory-friendly experience for Hub tenants in their coworking space and their respective clients and customers throughout the building.

The Social Enterprise Hub isn’t just about shared workspace – it’s about fostering an inclusive community that empowers everyone. They often support individuals with disabilities, including hidden disabilities like sensory sensitivities and overload. For instance, their tenant The Saint John Learning Exchange, offers support that extends beyond co-working. This program provides low-income residents with resources like GED preparation, skills training, and coaching, all designed to connect them with meaningful employment. By addressing both professional development and accessibility needs, The Social Enterprise Hub created a more sensory-friendly co-working space where everyone can thrive.

Key Features of Sensory-Friendly Coworking Training and Certification from Sensory Friendly Solutions

• Multiple training sessions with key team members from the Hub.
• A full sensory audit of the Hub, inside and outside the building, across each of the 8 senses.
• Conduct a poll of Hub business tenants to evaluate their sensory experience in the building.
• Provide of a detailed report with a range of easy to implement accessibility solutions.
• Assist with funding applications to access funding to make sensory-friendly changes as part of improving building accessibility. In this case, training funding was supported by WorkingNB and accessiblity changes were supported by the youth innovation component of the Enabling Accessiblity Fund.

This custom training and certification ensured that the prospective changes were prioritized and had the most impact to foster sensory-friendly coworking spaces, for the building tenants and the clients and customers who visited the building.

First Key Changes Implemented

Sound

While the Hub’s natural wood decor added warmth, the concrete flooring caused excessive noise throughout the building. One of the key spaces, the shared boardroom, was selected for a sensory-friendly upgrade. The room’s echo made meetings challenging, so acoustic ceiling tiles and carpet tiles were installed. These changes dramatically improved sound levels, and users of the room noted that it felt warmer and more inviting, making meetings far more comfortable.

Lighting

Natural light posed an issue for tenants at the front of the building. The large windows allowed too much sunlight, causing glare and triggering headaches and migraines. To solve this, the Hub installed custom perforated window signage, which reduced glare while still allowing natural light to enter. The signage also reinforced the Hub’s mission, offering a practical solution that improved both aesthetics and awareness.

Further Enhancements for a Fully Sensory-Friendly Co-Working Space

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, founder Christel Seeberger emphasizes the mantra: Small changes, big impact. After an audit, tenant poll, and training sessions, several simple yet effective improvements were identified for ongoing implementation at the Hub:

• Reposition the accessible parking spot to ensure the hydro pole doesn’t obstruct access to the sidewalk.
• Relocate garbage and recycling bins away from the entrance to reduce strong odors.
• Install more acoustic tiles in various rooms to absorb excess sound.
• Incorporate additional wood elements, such as shelves, to help with sound absorption.
• Apply for funding to enhance signage, orientation, and wayfinding; move signage to accessible heights and add Braille to room signs.
• Cover fluorescent lights with filters to reduce harsh brightness.
• Add low-pile, visible carpet tiles to the concrete floors to dampen noise while maintaining accessibility.

These adjustments are part of a long-term commitment to creating a fully sensory-friendly environment, ensuring the Hub meets the needs of all its tenants.

Sensory-Friendly Co-Working Space Expected Outcomes

Abi Reinhart  -Youth Accessiblity Leader, Social Enterprise Hub

The Social Enterprise Hub’s commitment to an accessible environment did more than just remove barriers. Importantly, it enhanced productivity and enjoyment of the building for commercial tenants and all building visitors. In short, this case study demonstrates the role of custom training, an audit and involving users in making positive changes!

Featured in Our Documentary: Too Busy. Too Noisy. Too Bright. – Watch Now!

Experience the transformation firsthand! Key moments from this case study were highlighted in our powerful short documentary, Too Busy. Too Noisy. Too Bright. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll see how small changes made a big impact on creating a sensory-friendly space. Don’t miss this inspiring glimpse—watch it now!

Revolutionizing Workspaces: Your Next Steps Toward Sensory-Friendly Success!

Funding Shouldn’t Stand in Your Way: Unlock the Potential of Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Building an inclusive, sensory-friendly co-working space doesn’t have to break the bank. Our blog post: Accessibility Funding: Your Pathway to Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Spaces is packed with creative solutions. Explore grant opportunities, local support options, and innovative fundraising ideas to bring your vision to life. Remember, creating a sensory-friendly environment benefits everyone. Let’s unlock that potential together—explore your funding options and make it happen!

Learn from Other Sensory-Friendly Success Stories

Explore additional case studies showcasing how other businesses have embraced sensory-friendly principles to create more inclusive spaces.

Dive Deeper with Our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course

Our comprehensive Sensory-Friendly 101 Course offers the essential tools to make your business more accommodating for everyone.

Watch: A Message from Our Founder on Sensory-Friendly Training

Discover how our training membership can help your business become a leader in sensory-friendly practices by watching this short video from our founder. Get all our courses for one low price with training membership!

Stay Informed with Our Latest Blogs

Keep up to date with the latest content from Sensory Friendly Solutions by exploring our most recent blog posts.

Join Our Newsletter for More Sensory-Friendly Solutions

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates, resources, and expert advice on creating more inclusive, sensory-friendly environments.