What Is a Sensory-Friendly Environment?

Unveiling a Calmer World: Understanding Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Have you ever encountered the term “sensory-friendly” and wondered what it means? It’s not just about products – entire environments can be designed with sensory comfort in mind. This blog post dives deep into the concept of sensory-friendly spaces, exploring their benefits and offering practical tips to create them.

Beyond Five Senses: A Multi-Sensory Experience

Imagine a world where flickering lights, loud noises, and strong smells don’t cause discomfort. That’s the essence of a sensory-friendly environment! Importantly, it caters to all eight senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, movement, balance, and proprioception (internal body awareness). Furthermore, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, as sensory preferences vary. However, by considering these different senses, we can create spaces that are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Who Benefits from Sensory-Friendly Environments?

Expanding Accessibility: Embracing Diverse Needs

Sensory-friendly environments are particularly helpful for individuals with hypersensitivities. This means they experience certain sensations more intensely, leading to discomfort and even stress. For example, loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells can be overwhelming for them. Moreover, common conditions associated with hypersensitivity include autism, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.

However, the benefits extend far beyond specific diagnoses. Think about the frustration of loud music while shopping or overpowering fragrances in a restaurant. Sensory-friendly environments promote inclusivity and accessibility, creating a more comfortable experience for everyone. In fact, research, “Connections Between Sensory Sensitivities in Autism; the Importance of Sensory Friendly Environments for Accessibility and Increased Quality of Life for the Neurodivergent Autistic Minority” by Heidi Morgan (2019)  has found that sensory-friendly environments benefit the accessibility of spaces for people with sensory processing disorders and mental illnesses, too ¹. 

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Haven: Practical Tips

Transforming Your Space: Simple Strategies for Big Impact

Creating a sensory-friendly environment doesn’t require a complete overhaul.
The good news is, many adjustments are simple to implement and can be done gradually. Furthermore, creating a sensory-friendly environment doesn’t require a complete overhaul or a hefty budget. Even small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference.Here are some easy and effective ways to make a significant difference:

Dim the Lights, Brighten the Mood

Harsh lighting can be a major source of discomfort. Consider dimming the lights whenever possible, while still maintaining adequate safety levels.

However, flexibility is key. Some individuals with visual impairments might require brighter lighting. Offering sunglasses as an option caters to diverse needs.

Hush the Noise, Embrace Calm

Loud noises like background music or scanner beeps can be overwhelming. Let the quiet speak for itself! Turn down the background noise and consider options like noise-cancelling headphones for those who need them, especially in noisy outdoor environments.

Quiet Zones: A Sanctuary for the Senses

Imagine a dedicated space for peace and comfort. This is the essence of a quiet zone. Furnish it with comfortable seating, sensory-friendly toys, fidgets, or weighted lap pads. This haven provides a much-needed escape for children, adults, and older adults experiencing sensory overload.

Accessible Toilets: A Basic Need, Comfortably Met

Easy access to restrooms is crucial. Having to wait when nature calls can trigger sensory overload. Ensure there are enough accessible and gender-neutral toilets available to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Seating for All: A Place to Rest and Recharge

Providing accessible seating options is essential for individuals with mobility impairments, those using canes or walkers, and older adults. Scattered seating allows people to take a break and rest comfortably throughout the space.

Scents and Smells: Less is More

Eliminate strong scents and smells, both pleasant and unpleasant. Perfumes, candles, and essential oils might be appealing to some, but bothersome to others. Creating a scent-free environment or designated scent-free zones ensures everyone feels comfortable.

De-Clutter for Clarity

Visual clutter can be overwhelming and stimulating. Minimize clutter by organizing signage and keeping displays uncluttered. A clean and organized space promotes a sense of calm.

By incorporating these tips, you can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone!

Sensory-Friendly Environments: A Calming Space for Everyone

Sensory-friendly environments are designed to minimize overwhelming sensory input. Think dimmed lights, noise-cancelling options, and calming textures. These spaces are becoming more common in libraries, museums, and even workplaces, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and engaged.

It’s important to distinguish “environment” from other sensory-friendly terms:

• Sensory-Friendly Events: These take existing events (concerts, plays) and modify them for those with sensitivities (lowering sound levels, offering quiet areas).
• Sensory-Friendly Experiences: These focus on creating an inclusive experience for any activity (shopping trip, zoo visit) through clear communication, flexible scheduling, and staff training.

While a sensory-friendly environment provides a calming space, events and experiences consider the overall approach to make participation enjoyable for everyone.

Your Guide to Sensory-Friendly Environments: Training and Resources from Sensory Friendly Solutions

Unsure where to begin creating a sensory-friendly environment? Sensory Friendly Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. Our comprehensive online, on demand training, consulting, certification and product recognition provide everything you need to build inclusive spaces that cater to diverse sensory needs. Explore our membership options to access a library of informative courses, downloadable resources, for one low price you get everything you need to learn how to create sensory-friendly environments.

Plus, watch our short introductory video for a quick and engaging overview of our mission and how we can help you create a more welcoming and enriching world for everyone. Our Training Membership gives you all the courses you need to create sensory-friendly environments for one low price!

Unveiling Success Stories: Our Most Popular Reads for Businesses

Curious to see how other businesses are fostering inclusion and reaping the benefits of sensory-friendly practices? Dive into our most popular blog posts specifically designed for businesses and organizations like yours! These articles answer the most common questions that businesses or organizations have when thinking about creating sensory-friendly environments.

This is just the beginning of your sensory-friendly journey! Curious about other events or experiences? Find out much more:

• How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Event
• Autism Hour vs. Sensory-Friendly Shopping
• 10 Ways to Make Tourism Sensory-Friendly

Finally, are you eager to explore the latest trends and cutting-edge approaches to sensory inclusion? Don’t miss our 3 most recent blog posts brimming with fresh research, practical tips, and actionable strategies:

1. Morgan, H. (2019). Connections Between Sensory Sensitivities in Autism; the Importance of Sensory Friendly Environments for Accessibility and Increased Quality of Life for the Neurodivergent Autistic Minority. PSU McNair Scholars Online Journal, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.15760/mcnair.2019.13.1.11