Expand the accessibility and sensory experiences of university hospitality and study spaces for neurodivergent students.

Lead Officer: Izzy Downer, Community Officer

What is the issue about?

Recruitment for neurodivergent students increases each year, with most finding university outlets sensory challenging. 68% of students that took part in research on sensory experiences on campus reported to have experienced sensory distress or discomfort, with 33.33% of these students experiencing sensory distress frequently*. Therefore, we must acknowledge the diverse sensory needs of the student population and improve the accessibility of facilities to enable full participation of neurodivergent students.  

This means it is essential to collaborate with the university on expanding our quiet areas and times and improving overall sensory experiences in hospitality and study spaces.

What are we asking the University to do?

We are asking the University for a revaluation of current environmental aspects of outlets that negatively affect the accessibility of neurodivergent students.   

We are calling for environmental modifications to outlets. This includes partitions, adjusted lighting, plant features and wallpaper changes to help reduce sensory stimuli and support emotional regulation. Similarly, adequate navigational signage in hospitality is necessary to reduce levels on anxiety and provide structure and predictability. The Signage for the Quiet areas and times must also be enhanced through language and design that promotes and encourages others to respect these. Adjustments to The Sensory Room and Assistive Technology Room must be made to create a space that allows emotional regulation and stimulation through visual engagement and tactile stimuli. This should be done in review with the Library and DAG (Disability Action Group).

What will success look like?

Updates

• New Signage: New rebranding from Quiet Spaces and times have been designed to Calm Spaces, Studying and Shopping promoting more inclusive language that encourages respect from others. Signage is expected to be implemented in increments from the Inter Semester Break Onwards.
• 6WS: 6WS case for improvements have been approved and is set to start in the Inter Semester Break and last up to eight weeks. 6WS will be renovated as a 'Study Lounge' supporting low sensory study spaces, delivering noise reduction, improved lighting, variance in furniture and improved access to the building. Neuroinclusivility and accessibility has been integral in the redesign with consultaions done with Disability Action Group (DAG), the Education Officer and Community Officer.
• Lime Tree: In collaboration with Dr. Keren MacLennan from CAAR, the lower sensory area has been transformed into a research informed “calm space” with a repurposed seating unit creating a clear boundary from the rest of the outlet and adds softer, more comfortable furnishings.
• Library Sensory Room and Assistive Technology Rooms: Feedback has been gathered involving the SU, DAG, Disability Support and DD&T. The AT rooms will be upgraded to support low sensory study and the Sensory Room furniture, sound control and lighting will be upgraded.

Semester 2 Plans:

• Lime Tree: Plans to implement lighting changes to achieve a sensory ‘gradient’, add wayfinding signage including a sensory map and “order here” signs, add a moveable partition wall to facilitate zoning between seating areas, Hospitality staff training and support to be co-developed with Dr MacLennan, Review intervention impact to inform plans for other outlets.
• Fountain, Claverton Rooms and 4W: Aspects such as wayfinding, signage and potential calm spaces are being accessed and developed for future semester 2 imporvements.
• Reviewing and Evalutation post implemented changes will be developed to access the improvements.

Useful Information

*This Research (Student sensory experiences on campus) is credited to:

Davies, E., Hodgson, E., Javas, R., Chiu, C., Moscuzza, N., Mudit., Shamir, A., Agozzino, S., Charles, M., & MacLennan, K.