The Sensory Friendly Space is Expanding!

Posted on by mrabura

A banner the reads Sensory Friendly Space. TLB 115 Monday, Thursday, Friday 1:30 - 3:30 pm.
This past summer, UW Tacoma Library opened its first ever Sensory Friendly Space to better address the barriers faced by our neurodivergent students and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our library spaces! Although the room has been created with our neurodivergent community in mind, it is a space where everyone is welcome to come chill out, relax, and escape the sensory overload that can be school and life.

After a successful first few months and observing how the UWT community is utilizing the space we decided to expand with more items and hours to address the emerging needs of our students. Starting the first week of Winter Quarter, the room will now be open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. In addition to increased hours, the room also has a few new and exciting items including a second beanbag, weighted neck wraps, worry stones, coloring books and materials, and some (quiet) snacks for visitors. See a sneak peek at the new items below!

Picture of a woman sitting on a grey beanbag.Picture of a woman wearing a weighted neck wrap.A picture of a coloring book titled Stress Relief Coloring Book. The book has mushrooms and flowers on the cover. A picture of a set of worry stones. The stones are different colors, shapes, and textures. A picture of a box of Welch's fruit snacks.

The complete list of room resources now includes:

Picture of the sign and door for the Sensory Friendly Space.

  • Fruit Snacks
  • Fluorescent Light Covers
  • Calming Noise Machine
  • Noise-Reduction Headphones
  • Weighted Lap Blankets
  • Weighted Shoulder Wraps
  • Dimmable Desk Lamps
  • Fidget Manipulatives & Worry Stones
  • Floor Cushions
  • 2 Bean Bags
  • Wobble Chair
  • Coloring Book, Paper, Crayons, & Markers
Picture of the entrance to the Sensory Friendly Space. It shows the entrance table with a welcome sign and the different available supplies.  Picture of the Sensory Friendly Space. It shows the tables with supplies and the two beanbags in the back of the room.

 

Do you see something missing or have ideas and suggestions for the space? Please let us know!  We look forward to seeing everyone in the UW Tacoma Library Sensory Friendly Space this winter!