First things first, I want to start off this post by saying that I’m very happy about the fact that a sensory room is available because as an autistic/ADHD person who gets very overwhelmed by noise, having a quiet space is wonderful. So to RECF/VEX, thank you for adding that for the many people who would benefit.
However, this sensory room needed major improvements. My first experience with the sensory room was not a positive one. I had gotten really overwhelmed on Friday (April 28) due to the noise and just exhaustion, so I went to go look for the sensory room. The signs were very clear, but all I saw was the sign for the student ambassador room and another sign saying the sensory room was farther ahead. I couldn’t find it, so my dad came to my rescue and asked one of the people in the student ambassador room. Turns out, the one person who had access to the sensory room had to leave for something and had returned to the convention center, but no one had any contact with them. After a while of the person radioing around with no luck, my dad and I eventually returned to the hotel because it was making me even more stressed (but also thank you to the person trying to get the sensory room unlocked, you’re a true hero thank you so much).
I went back to the sensory room the next day, and wow was it underwhelming. The lights were dim, and the room was quiet, but other than that it was not very sensory. There were about 5 beanbags in an open section of the floor, and those beanbags were extremely stiff, essentially like an ottoman, not a beanbag. No fidgets or anything remotely sensory. If anything, it seemed like it was designed by a neurotypical who did the bare minimum of research. Just a quick Google search shows that things to have in a sensory room include weighted blankets, fidgets, open seating, stuffed animals, puzzles, etc.
I understand that fidgets can be tough because of having to clean them, but even just pop-its or stress balls would be something easy to just quickly wipe down and put back out for use.
I’m not asking for RECF/VEX to spend hundreds on weighted blankets, pillows, mood lighting, ear protectors, etc (although that would be great).
If all the “sensory room” is going to be is a quiet, dark room, then label it a quiet room. A sensory room is something that actually provides sensory experiences, not just a room where people can go to take a break from the noise.
Another thing that irked me was the hours for the sensory room. I understand that whoever is running the room needs a break for lunch, but in my experience, lunch time is one of the loudest times because everyone is swarming the halls to get their food. It can be very overwhelming, and not having that quiet space available can be stressful.
Once again, I’m glad that RECF/VEX is doing their part to make worlds accessible, but if you’re going to have a sensory room, then make it a sensory room, not just a quiet room.
TL;DR:
If your “sensory room” is just going to be a quiet, dark room with a few scattered beanbags, then it’s not a sensory room, it’s a quiet room. If you’re not going to include anything sensory in your sensory room, then don’t call it a sensory room. If you want to include an actual sensory room, do the research and collaborate with neurodivergent people to make an inclusive sensory room.