Mobile Sensory Space in Middle TN!

We chatted with James and Emily Erby, creators of Sensory Space and local Autism parents. They told us all about their newly available mobile sensory room and their hope for Autism Acceptance. You can learn more on their website here: https://sensoryspace.fun/

Q. What gave you the idea to create Sensory Space?

A. In 2020, our oldest daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Over the years, we've found that she often struggles with sensory overload in crowded places and noisy public events. As parents of a neurodivergent child with sensory differences, we frequently leave public spaces and events early or sometimes avoid them altogether due to the challenges she faces. Our goal is to make our community more inclusive for families like ours by providing a mobile sensory room at the locations and events where we always wished they had one on-site.

Q. How did you design Sensory Space?

A. After lots of research on sensory rooms and equipment options, we began designing the space by first selecting the essential pieces of sensory equipment. We knew from the start that we wanted the space to cater to different sensory needs. It should be relaxing, calming, and soothing, but it should also be engaging, interactive, and fun for those who want that experience. We chose to create the sensory room inside an 8.5 x 16-foot trailer. It took several months for us to get everything together, but we are very happy with the final result of what we built.

Q. What kind of sensory equipment does Sensory Space have?

A. Sensory Space is equipped with some of the best equipment in the industry that we could fit into our limited space. We feature a vibroacoustic ball pit and several interactive wall panels that let you engage with bubbles, infinity mirrors, and the music and sounds within the space. There's a cozy corner with an LED color column surrounded by mirrors and fiber optic light strands. We also have tactile UV blacklight-lit wall panels filled with various textures to explore and sounds to create. When not in the ballpit or cozy corner, seating options include a beanbag chair, a squeezie seat, and color-changing LED cube seats.

Q. Who is Sensory Space for?

A. We expect that children ages 2 to 12 will primarily use the space, but we have created an environment that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, regardless of their diagnosis. We can be booked for community events, birthday parties, playdates, and more. Additionally, we offer visits to schools, churches, therapy centers, and other locations.

Q. What else would you like us to know about Sensory Space?

A. As a new and unique business aiming to make a positive impact in the community, we know the best way to achieve this is by people like you who read this blog spreading the word about our service. Encourage your child's therapists, school teachers, and pastors to consider hiring us for their events and functions. Reach out

to local businesses that support the community to see if they would like to sponsor our participation in meaningful events. Many inspiring nonprofits may not have the budget to cover our costs, and your support can help us make a positive impact by attending the places that want us there the most.

Q. What does Autism Awareness and Acceptance mean to you?

A. At Sensory Space, our focus is on inclusion. Autistic individuals deserve recognition, celebration, and meaningful inclusion. True inclusion goes beyond awareness. While awareness acknowledges a person's existence, acceptance affirms that they belong and that their differences will be respected and accommodated by a society that has not traditionally been designed to do so.