Sensory Safe Tools Can Help Ease Library Visits for Families
October 29, 2021 — Many people still think of libraries as serene buildings where everyone speaks in hushed tones. But as in most public spaces, there are noises, lights, visitors’ voices and unexpected, overstimulating experiences that may be difficult for children and others with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders.
Each Springfield-Greene County Library branch offers multiple Sensory Safe Tools and Toys to help children filter out or increase sensory input, depending on their needs. Families with individuals who need to use these tools during their library visit can ask a librarian for the item they need.
Tools and toys include fidgets, large gel maze, wiggle cushions, weighted lap pads, noise canceling headphones, and bubble timers.
“We want all kids to feel safe and secure when they visit the library, but we also want their parents to feel confident bringing them here,” said Katie Hopkins, Adult Programming Coordinator.
“We were finding that parents of children with disabilities, autism specifically, were hesitant to bring their kids to the library because they were afraid of major behavioral issues causing a disruption in library buildings and programs,” she said. “We set out to come up with tools available to parents and their children to help their children self-regulate and ideally avoid a meltdown when they start becoming overstimulated during a library visit.”
All items are sanitized after every use.
The sensory safe tools and toys were funded by a Diversity & Inclusion grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.