Sensory Features

Each individual experiences a unique range of sensory comfort and preferences. These experiences can be general (occurring all the time) and/or situational. Some general tips for understanding sensory needs are below:

• Sensory needs are inherently variable: Individual variability in response to sensory stimuli can lead to either hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness).
  • For example, someone with auditory hypersensitivity may prefer quieter spaces, while someone with auditory hyposensitivity may benefit from amplified sound or assistive listening devices.
  • Additionally, variation in sensory processing can affect how someone understands and integrates sensory information.
• Organizational offerings can be variable, too: Organizations should work to accommodate both high-stimulation and low-stimulation needs by offering sensory features that cater to a variety of sensitivities.
  • Interactive displays or multi-sensory activities can offer opportunities for high-stimulation engagement.
  • Low-stimulation features, like quiet zones, dimmable lighting, and reduced noise areas, allow people to reset and engage at their own pace.
• Remember to seek expert input: Collaboration with individuals with sensory disabilities and professionals can provide valuable insights to address both hypo- and hypersensitivities effectively.

To effectively integrate sensory features, it’s helpful to understand our eight senses and how they work together to give us a comprehensive understanding of the world around us, as well as how features of our environment can impact those senses.

By recognizing and addressing both hypersensitivities and hyposensitivities, organizations can create more inclusive environments that foster comfort, well-being, and engagement for individuals with a variety of sensory processing needs. Some further tips appear below.

• Sight (Vision):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Avoid harsh lighting and fluorescent lighting or offer options for dimming lights. Ensure high-contrast visuals and avoid flashy or rapidly changing images. Consider the use of matte rather than glossy surfaces to reduce glare.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Ensure adequate and appropriate lighting, such as bright, well-lit spaces and clear, high-contrast signage. Use larger font sizes and clear visuals to aid those who may struggle to see or interpret smaller or faded text and images.
  • Processing: Avoid text on images and use good color contrast. Also use fonts that are easily legible, avoiding cursive and script fonts.

• Hearing (Auditory):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Create quiet zones or offer noise-canceling headphones for people who find loud or constant noise overwhelming. Reduce background noise by using soft materials in furniture or walls that absorb sound. Additionally, consider how sound may move throughout the space and take steps to avoid sound bleed into other areas. When audio is present, try to ensure that it is not looped and that individuals can control the volume, repetition, etc. Provide written instructions or visual cues where necessary to minimize auditory overstimulation.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Ensure clear and loud audio cues for announcements and communication. This can include amplified sound systems, or visual aids to accompany important sounds like alarms, announcements, or music. Consider using sound cones and directional speakers to allow for effective sound transmission in the area where the content is. Consider vibrating or flashing alerts for people who may not hear traditional auditory signals.
  • Processing: Use open captions and provide transcripts for all audio content. Provide audio in a clear way, replacing burnt-out speakers as necessary to ensure that audio is easy to process. (Visit the Captioning page of the Hub to learn more.)

• Touch (Tactile):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Avoid textures or materials that are too rough or irritating for people with heightened tactile sensitivity. Offer alternative seating, clothing, or materials that are soft or smooth. Allow people to adjust their environment (e.g., adjustable furniture, clothing options, or tactile surfaces) to accommodate comfort.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Provide interactive tactile experiences that involve different textures, materials, or surfaces. Offer activities or items that encourage touch to engage individuals who may seek stronger tactile input. (Visit the Touch and Tactile Services page of the Hub to learn more.)
  • Processing: Where possible, avoid forced tactile interactions.

• Taste (Gustatory):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: If food is offered or served, provide alternative options for meals with fewer spices, intense flavors, or strong odors.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: If food is offered or served, provide a variety of flavorful foods with different textures, temperatures, and tastes to engage those who may have a reduced sense of taste. Offering seasonings, spices, and stronger flavors can help increase sensory stimulation for individuals who may crave more intense gustatory experiences.
  • Processing: Allow visitors to bring in their own foods and provide clear information about where they can consume it.

• Smell (Olfactory):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Use neutral or unscented cleaning products and air fresheners to avoid overpowering scents. Create well-ventilated spaces or offer scent-free zones to help prevent overwhelming individuals who are sensitive to strong odors.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: If relevant, provide opportunities for olfactory engagement related to the content of an exhibit or experience. Ensure that fragrances are pleasant and non-irritating for those who may require enhanced olfactory experiences.
  • Processing: Provide user choice where engaging in scent-based exhibits.

• Proprioception (Kinesthetic Sense):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Consider offering support or cushioning in physical spaces to reduce the intensity of touch, such as softer chairs or foam padding on furniture. Provide clear spatial organization in areas to help reduce confusion and physical discomfort.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: If possible, offer movement-based activities that involve body awareness in the space. Consider offering weighted blankets, vests, or other tools that provide deep pressure or tactile input to help individuals who need proprioceptive feedback to feel grounded.
  • Processing: Avoid protruding objects and make corners and other changes in direction clear to avoid collision. Provide sensory experiences based on both gross and fine motor skills.

• Vestibular Sense (Balance):
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Limit activities or environments that involve rapid motion or spinning) to prevent overstimulation. Offer seating or stationary options for those who may have trouble with balance or motion.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Provide opportunities for movement and activities that engage the vestibular system, such as rocking chairs, swings, or balance exercises. Consider offering structured and safe spaces for spinning or swinging for individuals who seek more intense vestibular input.
  • Processing: Provide warnings where visuals may create a sense of motion, or for spaces where motion-based videos will be present.

• Interoception:
  • Hyper-sensitivity: Consider providing spaces that allow for self-regulating physical discomfort, such as quiet spaces for rest or access to items that help soothe discomfort (e.g., weighted blankets, dim lighting). Offer options for temperature control.
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Consider providing spaces that allow for drinking, eating, movement, or rest.
  • Processing: Allow for choice when engaging in controlled spaces. Label and make clear what tools are available to help self-regulate.

Your organization can also consider how to offer additional sensory-friendly features and services among your other accessibility offerings. Ideas include:

• Offer sensory-friendly hours: Schedule specific hours where sensory features (e.g., lighting and sound) are adjusted to reduce sensory overload, providing a more comfortable experience for sensitive individuals. (Visit the Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Events page of the Hub to learn more.)
• Provide sensory tools: Make sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget devices, and textured materials available to help visitors engage in ways that meet their sensory needs. (Visit the Sensory Features page of the Hub to learn more about tools and devices you can offer.)

Finally, remember to communicate which sensory features you have available! Tips include:

• Identify sensory features and services in the space: Use on-site maps and signage with icons to identify areas with sensory accommodations (e.g., quiet zones, tactile areas, sensory-friendly exhibits) so visitors can easily find these features upon arrival and while in your space.
• Identify and promote sensory features on other materials: Promote your accessible services on your website, social media channels, and through direct communication. Offering sensory features and options shows your dedication to providing an inclusive experience. Make sure that information and those services are shared with the intended audience. (Visit the Hub page on Communicating Access Information to learn more.)