Considerations for creating a sensory-friendly and inclusive experience at your event, program, or business.

People

• Limit appointments, attendance or stagger start times.
• Hold events during off hours. 
• Train staff. 
• Allow support staff to attend free of charge and establish a policy. 
• Create a fragrance-free policy so staff don’t wear strong perfume or cologne. 
• Allow attendees to wear a hat, sunglasses or headphones.

Location

• Designate a quite area, space or room that has dim lighting and is out of sight. This space should include places to sit and be free of excess debris and clutter.
• Designate a sensory output area, space or room for movement and loud activities.
• Reduce noise. Turn off or down background music/TV and eliminate any loud or sudden noises.
• Adjust lighting. Don’t use bright or flashing lights. Cover intense florescent lighting with fabric during event and dim lights where possible.
• Reduce smells. Turn off or remove artificial air fresheners.
• Provide sensory friendly kits or stations. 
• Use visuals like maps, arrows, signs and photos throughout the event space to help support visitors with autism and consider placing videos and photos of the event space on the website.

Activity

• Allow for small groups or solo activities.
• Pick sensory friendly activities and tailor activities to event. 
• Offer alternate seating options like bouncy balls or bean bag chairs. 
• Keep things organized. Label important things and locations with words and pictures to make them easier to understand and locate.

Other tips

• If offering food, have detailed descriptions of ingredients, provide several options and communicate the menu ahead of time. Ask attendees about dietary requirements.
• Communicate to customers and employees alike your commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
• Complete Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation.
• Ask for feedback from attendees or customers.
• Advertise your event as sensory friendly.

 Printer friendly flyer

Resources

1. Autism Speaks
2. Sensory Friendly Solutions
3. Silent Sound System