Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with individuals with both physical and developmental disabilities. From supporting seniors with dementia to youth with ASD and ADHD to adults with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, I’ve had a front-row seat to the accessibility challenges people face daily. While our society has made strides in creating a more accessible world, there is still a long way to go.
One of the most difficult accessibility barriers to address is for invisible disabilities—those that can’t be seen at first glance. Creating accessible buildings with ramps, wide doorways, clear signage, and adapted bathrooms is one thing. But designing a space that accommodates sensory needs, through proper lighting, scent-free environments, and good acoustics, is much trickier.
This is something I’ve thought about a lot. I’m someone who, especially when feeling overwhelmed or anxious, can become overstimulated. Harsh LED lighting, loud environments, and excessive visual clutter can make my heart race and my breath feel short. If the right environment is crucial for my well-being, I can only imagine how essential it is for those with sensory processing challenges. In my view, creating an inclusive space isn’t just about supporting those with disabilities—it benefits everyone.
Because of this, I’ve put a lot of thought into what an inclusive classroom should look like. In fact, during my Link 2 Practice placement, I created a toolkit focused on making classrooms more inclusive for students with sensory challenges. I’ve attached it below.