UW-Milwaukee’s ‘Sensory Space Task Force’ Explores Inclusive Sensory Space for Both Neurodiverse and Neurotypical Students

The ARC Sensory Space Student Taskforce gathered at Mitchell Hall on November 9th to discuss the creation of a “sensory space” at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The taskforce discussed their many ideas of feedback for an ideal ‘sensory space’ to enhance and adapt the sensory space based on the potential needs of UW-Milwaukee students – both neurodivergent and neurotypical. 

This space will be accessible for all UWM students to decompress.

Moreover, the team deliberated on features such as a quiet study zone within the sensory space to cater to students. This addition aligns with the overarching goal of making the space multifunctional and accommodating diverse preferences.

Both neurotypical and neurodiverse students alike will be able to use this room, fitting both individuals’ ideal needs.

The space will also be accessible for individuals that use some sort of mobility disability and/or are deaf/hard of hearing or visually impaired. 

The group discussed the ability to potentially change the room’s color, depending on mood and overall need. 

This will also be age appropriate for adults with fidget, sensory toys, ear plugs, noise canceling options, in which students can keep. 

It is still to be determined if the space will be shared and with how many people, depending on its size.

There also might be a limited amount of time to use the space and the encouragement of quiet voices in the space.

The taskforce discussed what would be important to include in the room: physical barrier/partitions, adjustable lighting, candy/gum, and ear plugs/noise canceling headphones. 

It will also include comfortable seating and lounge seating (bean bag chairs at a table so one can do work or lay down), fidgets (legos, poppers, rubix cubes or magna-tiles). 

Items an individual can have control over will also be included (light switches or dimmers/noise machines).

Cameras will be used in the room so making it not obvious and disclosing it to users will allow them to decide whether they want to use the room or not.

Possible check-in logistics that were mentioned for using the space include reserving the room, which may include a QR code or through ARC’s website.

There will also potentially be a student volunteer, ARC staff to monitor the space: inside the room, outside in a hallway or via camera.

Separate areas in the room would be an option so one person could not rent the entire space itself to oneself. 

Implications to prevent constantly reserving the space without having others get the opportunity to use the space will be put into consideration through, possibly, imposing time/limiting visits per person.

If a serious altercation were to happen, or, safety/security concerns in general, ARC, SHAW, or, if need be, UWMPD should be contacted.

A panic button may be the option and/or having a provided list with all of the necessary emergency contacts in the space: ARC (Accommodations Resource Center), SHAW  (Student Health and Wellness Center), or UWMPD (University of Wisconsin Milwaukee police department), depending on how serious the situation is.

Being clear with specific guidelines and rules of engagement can also be seen as helpful/necessary.

“How should ARC advertise the space so students are aware of it?” stated the document.

Many options of getting the space out by advertising through multiple different ways were mentioned by the task force. 

Having a union banner, sticker or sign with a target population or specific purpose 

Social media was also mentioned as an option to do so on top of bulletin boards around Bolton, Mellencamp, Union, and so forth

Another option mentioned was having the ARC presence in the union/tabling events, featuring the sensory space with pictures, small brochures being handed out, explaining the space and directions for the space.

Also, the option of signs directing people to the space so no one gets lost and partnering with other campus options.

This way the most appropriate places on campus can also advertise and recommend this space to specific individuals, especially for the grand opening.

A day or specific week for the opening launch of the room can include specific tours and/or “trials” of the space. 

To foster inclusivity, the group considered creating informational materials about the purpose of the sensory space, aiming to raise awareness. 

To avoid being  too ‘busy/overwhelming’ for some, having time to tour with an appropriate amount of people.

One member of the team, however, said that the room should be in the Union rather than Mitchell.

“Mitchell is the least accessible building on campus,” said a member of the committee. They said that it should be in the Union with other student centers.

Moreover, the taskforce will explore opportunities for student engagement, encouraging individuals to contribute their ideas, preferences, and skills to the project: workshops, focus groups, and open forums will be organized to gather input, fostering a sense of community involvement in the sensory space development.

Alanda Jackson, an English major, is not an ARC student but still would like to use the 

space.

Jackson mentioned that the best option for LED lights would be softer colors that wouldn’t be harsh.

“I find really soft colors to be comforting and relaxing because they aren’t as harsh or strong as really vibrant colors,” said Jackson. “Colors like, light blue or purple, or anything that is kind of like a pastel is really nice. I think having a variety of colors in that style would make the sensory room all the better.”

She also stated how she finds out about events on campus and having posters around the Student Union to share events. 

“I normally find events through the student email page that are sent out or advertisements around campus, such as posters, ” said Jackson. “These are some of the easier ways for students to find out about things especially if they are in places with a lot of people like the student union.”

If cameras are in the room, keep them hidden for users to feel both safe and calm.

“I would still use the sensory room if the cameras were there but if they were inconspicuous,” said Jackson. “I think as far as options go, this would be the best way to go because then the room could still be monitored for safety concerns while also being discrete enough for people to feel calm.”

Some recommendations Jackson had for the room are “bubble tubes” and “weighted blankets.”

“I think a bubble tube would be nice because those are typically in sensory rooms to make the environment more calm,” said Jackson. “I also think that maybe there could be some weighted blankets or a cloud ceiling to add more effect with the LED lights.”

The next steps of this project are email updates and physical assistance regarding the space development.