At the Market:
Saturday, November 22 from 11am to 3pm
Wednesday, November 26 from 4 to 6pm
A Sensory Friendly Space will be provided at the Kamloops Christmas Market for those needing a break from the stimulation and noise of the market.
ABOUT SENSORY FRIENDLY SPACES:
Sensory Friendly Spaces are designated areas with reduced input from the sensory environment. An effort is made to decrease the level of lighting, sound and scents in the designated space.
Sensory Friendly Spaces offer comfortable seating and a variety of elements to support relaxation for a broad spectrum and age range of individuals. Such items may include: fidget/sensory toys, books, games, noise cancelling headphones, etc. Elements included in the Sensory Friendly Spaces are selected with consultation from CAN participants (i.e., Autistic adults and families who have children on the spectrum).
WHY ARE THEY NEEDED?
Sensory Friendly Spaces provide a place for people to go when they are feeling overwhelmed and need a quiet environment to calm down and self-regulate.
Offering a sensory friendly space is especially important at events and public facilities that are noisy, crowded and bright, as these venues are likely to feel overstimulating for many individuals.
WHO ARE THEY FOR?
Sensory Friendly Spaces can be especially helpful for individuals on the autism spectrum, however, a wide range of children and adults who feel overwhelmed in busy environments can benefit from the space.
BACKGROUND
- CAN first piloted a CAN Sensory Friendly Space with the City of Surrey at CAN’s Birthday Festival event in July 2018.
- CAN has since hosted Sensory Friendly Spaces at various events including the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, Vancouver Opera, Surrey International Children’s Festival, Healthy Family Expo, CAN Sports Day at BC Place, and many others.
- CAN continues to support the implementation of Sensory Friendly Spaces at many facilities and public events across BC.
