Demystifying Sensory Inclusion: Where Everyone Feels Welcome

Sensory Sensitivities and Sensory Overload: Understanding the Everyday Impact on Sensory Inclusion

Imagine this: You’re at a busy restaurant, catching up with friends. The laughter, chatter, and the clink of silverware create a vibrant atmosphere. But for Sarah, seated across from you, the experience is overwhelming. Moreover, the combination of bright lights, loud music, and strong smells triggers a feeling of anxiousness. This is just one example of how sensory sensitivities impacts everyday life and why sensory inclusion matters.

Sensory processing refers to how our brains receive and interpret information through our eight senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, balance and interoception. Furthermore, people with sensory sensitivities experience these sensations in a heightened way, It is often disorienting or even painful. Sensory overload occurs when an individual is exposed to too much sensory stimulation. This leads to a state of overwhelm.

Understanding Sensory Inclusion: Beyond Awareness

Sensory inclusion is the proactive process of creating environments and experiences that are welcoming. They are accessible for everyone, regardless of their sensory processing needs. Importantly, it’s more than just being aware of sensory sensitivities. It’s about taking concrete steps to remove barriers and promote participation.

While sensory inclusion is often discussed in the context of children or adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s crucial to remember that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of experiences. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 children has autism. Some well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher. Importantly, data on the prevalence of autism in low- and middle-income countries is scarce. This lack of information likely leads to an underestimation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases globally. Moreover, sensory sensitivities the experience of sensory overload can also affect individuals with many other diagnoses. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-concussion syndrome, and hearing loss (like our Founder and CEO Christel Seeberger). In addition, everyone has different sensory needs and preferences. And there are over 25 disabilities, diagnoses, disorders or simple differences that are know to contribute to sensory sensitivity or sensory overload. Furthermore, most are hidden or invisible.

Sensory Inclusion and the Importance of DEI

Sensory inclusion is a fundamental aspect of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). A 2018 report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that companies with a strong commitment to diversity outperform their peers on several financial metrics [2]. By embracing sensory inclusion, organizations can create a more welcoming environment. And that includes their employees, customers, and visitors with sensory processing differences. Furthermore, this not only fosters a sense of belonging and well-being, but also expands the potential customer base and talent pool.

Making a Difference: Examples of Sensory-Friendly Practices

So, how can you create a more sensory inclusive environment? The key lies in the concept of sensory-friendly practices. Here’s why this term is crucial:

• Proactive Approach: “Sensory-friendly” goes beyond simply being aware of sensory sensitivities. Importantly, it emphasizes proactive measures to create environments that are welcoming and comfortable for everyone, regardless of their sensory processing needs.
• Focus on the Environment: The term sensory-friendly highlights the importance of modifying the environment itself to reduce potential triggers. Being friendly means creating a more calming and predictable space.
• Accessibility and Inclusion: “Sensory-friendly” connects to the broader goals of accessibility and inclusion. It ensures participation and removes barriers for individuals with sensory processing differences.

For a more comprehensive understanding of inclusion and sensory-friendly practices, take a look at our blog post: Understanding Inclusive Practices: Why Being Sensory Friendly is Essential.

By implementing sensory-friendly practices, you’re not asking people to adapt to a potentially overwhelming environment! Instead, you’re proactively creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and can thrive.

This approach forms the foundation for true sensory inclusion. Let’s explore some practical steps you can take to make a difference.

For example, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Lighting: Offer adjustable lighting options to accommodate different preferences. For instance, consider providing areas with lower lighting for those who find bright lights overwhelming.
• Sound: Reduce background noise by playing calming music at a low volume or offering noise-canceling headphones.
• Scent: Limit the use of strong-smelling cleaning products, air fresheners, and parfumes.
• Tactile Considerations: Provide a variety of seating options (soft seating, chairs with backs). Importantly, this caters to different tactile preferences. In addition, offer fidget toys or stress balls for those who benefit from movement and tactile input.
• Communication: Be clear and concise in your communication, both verbally and in writing. For example, provide visual aids and allow extra processing time for individuals who may need it. Finally, offer written instructions or menus in addition to verbal communication.

Building Sensory-Friendly Environments

Remember, creating a sensory-friendly environment is a critical first step towards achieving true sensory inclusion. Sensory inclusion is the proactive process of creating welcoming and accessible environments and experiences for everyone, regardless of their sensory processing needs.

Here are some examples of how sensory-friendly practices can be implemented in a wide range of environments. For instance, you likely see the creation of a more inclusive experience for everyone in these environments.

Example of Sensory Inclusive Practices

• Restaurants: These might offer adjustable lighting, designated quiet areas, noise-canceling headphones, and menus with clear descriptions and pictures to reduce stress for diners with sensory sensitivities.
• Retail Stores: Stores can implement practices like dimmed lighting, designated quiet zones, and staff trained to recognize sensory cues to create a calmer shopping experience.
• Schools: Classrooms can be made more sensory-friendly with features like fidget toys, noise-dampening materials, flexible seating options, and predictable routines to support students with sensory processing differences.
• Museums and Libraries: These institutions can offer designated quiet areas, dimmed lighting options, sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, and social narratives to prepare visitors for the sights, sounds, and social interactions within the space.
• Airports and Transportation Hubs: Creating designated quiet areas, offering noise-canceling headphones, and providing clear visual signage can improve the travel experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Healthcare Providers’ Offices: Doctors’ offices can implement practices like offering appointments during quieter times, providing exam rooms with adjustable lighting, and having fidget toys available to reduce anxiety for patients with sensory sensitivities.

This is not an exhaustive list, and sensory-friendly practices can be adapted to any environment. By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive world. Image a world where everyone feels welcome. Moreover, one where everyone can participate fully in all aspects of life.

Sensory Inclusive Training: The Key to Offering Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Creating a sensory-friendly environment is a crucial first step towards sensory inclusion. Sensory Friendly Solutions is here to help with training, certification, product recognition and consulting. We help individuals, businesses, and organizations learn more about sensory processing and implement inclusive practices!

Our training programs go beyond basic awareness, providing practical tools and strategies to create a welcome and accessible environment for everyone. Importantly, we beleive that sensory inclusion is an ongoing journey. Furthermore, our training programs are designed to empower individuals and organizations to create positive change each step of the way. Watch a short video about our training membership that gives you all the courses you need to be sensory-inclusive by creating sensory-friendly experiences.

Exploring Further: A World of Sensory Inclusion

Sensory inclusion is a vast and evolving field. Here are some additional topics you are likely interested in:

• Creating a Sensory-Friendly Classroom: Many schools are implementing sensory-friendly practices. They support the learning needs of students with sensory processing differences.
• Sensory Inclusion in the Workplace: Creating a sensory-friendly workplace can benefit employees with and without sensory sensitivities. It reduces stress and improves productivity.

Sensory Friendly Solutions offers a wealth of resources on these topics and more. We invite you to explore our blog for additional articles and information.

Join the Movement: Building a More Inclusive World

When you create sensory-inclusive environments, you ensure that everyone feels welcome. In addtion, you ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of life. Sensory Friendly Solutions is committed to helping individuals, businesses, and organizations create a more inclusive world.

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