Sensory Rooms
by Sarah Werner
This past July at Mennonite Church USA’s convention, Follow Jesus 25, ADN once again sponsored a sensory room for participants who needed a break from the high level of stimulation that a large convention can foster. A sensory room is a designated space that has fidgets, weighted blankets/lap pads, rocking chairs, wobble cushions, noise-reducing headphones, coloring, and other aids that help increase calm and focus for people who have sensory processing disorders, ADHD, anxiety or are autistic.
The sensory room at Follow Jesus 25 was open several times a day during free time in the afternoons and evenings, providing a peaceful retreat space for those who needed it. It was staffed by ADN volunteers and the accessibility coordinator, Nathanael Hofstetter Ressler. There were several large bean bag chairs, headphones, weighted blankets, for relaxing. There was also an assortment of activities to do: puzzles, a banner to color, an art table, and prayer stations for writing prayers and lighting candles.
Nathanael shared the following about his time being present in the sensory room:
Convention, while wonderful and fun, can be profoundly overstimulating. The folk that utilized the room found a place of stillness. It is from this place of stillness they could reorient themselves to help them better experience convention. We all have differing stimulation needs and when we offer spaces for those whose simulation threshold is lower, we provide safe and welcoming hospitality for the whole Body of Christ. Having a sensory room is a simple practice which helps all of God’s children to be able to enjoy convention a bit more!
Derek Yoder, a pastor from Harrisonburg, VA shared that his daughter frequently made use of the sensory room. He said:
My daughter wanted to find a quiet place to get away from the busy-ness of convention and remembered a similar space at a previous convention. She looked around until she found the room, and sat down to read her book in a restful atmosphere.
A sensory room is a relatively easy and important accommodation that conferences and congregations can offer to make their events a safe and comfortable place for neurodivergent people.
Your financial contribution helps make the sensory room and other accessibility initiatives possible. We encourage you to join us in going All In for ADN this fall during our fundraising campaign!
