Neurodivergent Friendly Library

Sensory room, decompression spaces or "escape spaces" are specifically mentioned in a variety of literature as a core need for neurodivergent friendly spaces. In the Autism ASPECTSS Design Index, the objective is “to provide respite for autistic users [from] over-stimulation found in their environment.” Particularly in learning environments, these spaces have been shown to have a positive impact (Mostafa, 2008, 204). Since these kinds of spaces are uniquely useful for neurodivergent people who need a space that offers an opportunity to relax, rest, and recharge and they're often listed as one of the core needs in a neurodivergent friendly space, our goals were to start here to begin to make Brown Library more neurodivergent friendly. 

Our goal was to create a room within Brown Library that would be adaptive and inclusive for all neurodivergent users that need this space. Because of the need for flexibility, we've provided a variety of different kinds of furniture, tools, and features in the room. We're using this not only as a way to ensure that the room is adaptable to a variety of needs but also to begin to gather feedback and a better understanding of the needs of our community needs at UVA and for the UVA Library. 

Located in the East wing of Brown Library (often referred to as Left Brown), Room 145 is located in one of the quiet study spaces of Brown Library. The room includes two whiteboards and a variety of outlets. A monitor isn't available in this space but is offered it all the other group study rooms. If you need whiteboard markers, they can be checked out at the Service & Information Desk at the entrance of Brown Library.

 

Reserve the Sensory Room

Part of creating neurodivergent friendly spaces is offering sensory information and detail that will make users feel comfortable exploring and using a space. 

If you'd like to suggest or add any detail to the following pages, feel free to email the committee working on this space. 

We've selected a variety of different chairs and furniture for the space to make it flexible and offer a variety of different kinds of movement and support. 

In order to be inclusive, all the furniture was also selected to be as inclusive as possible with all the pieces rated to hold 250lbs, be adaptable and height adjustable. We've included instructions and guidance here but please feel free to add a comment or reach out the Brown Library staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Seating and Tables

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Wobble Chair

An adjustable height stool that swivels 360 and lets you lean, tilt, and rock as you work. 

Feel free to adjust the height as you need using the lever beneath the seat.

 

 

 

 

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Rocker Chair

Rocking chairs provide a gentle back-and-forth motion to encourage healthy sitting and offer ergonomic benefits. This rocker features a one-piece-shell, flexible backrest and a wide spacious seat.

 

 

 

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Recliner

A unique, curved design lets you assume a neutral, zero gravity position.

 

 

 

 

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Starfish Yoga Ball Chair

A yoga ball chair with more options. This chair included the features of a yoga ball but with casters so you can move around.

All four wheels have a locking mechanism in case you still need a stationary moment.

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Sit to Stand Desk

A height-adjustable desk on wheels.

Press the handle underneath the tabletop on the right-hand side of the desk, and this vertical desktop height will move from 30 inches (about 76.2 cm) to 45 inches (about 116.1 cm). 

 

 

 

 

 

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C-shaped side desk

Height adjusted from 27" to 33.5" as you need for a workspace with wheels to move around the room and use with any of the seating.

 

 

 

 

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Storage Cart

Featuring two bins that will hold the weighted lap and shoulder pads, this includes a tabletop surface and wheels so it can be moved as needed. 

 

To offer a variety of options and explore what solutions might be useful in other spaces, we're offering a number of different lighting options. 

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Overhead Lighting Diffuser

Featuring a soft white filters cover that removes the harsh glare and dims lights to facilitate a quiet, welcoming room. 

 

 

 

 

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Hexagon Wall Lights

Modular touch-sensing wall light that can change colors and operated by touch or remote.

We've mounted these next to the main light into the room to give an initial lighting option other than the Big Light.

Feel free to play and explore how this light works as both a tool and lighting source.

 

 

 

 

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Fiber Optic Fiber Mesh

A fiber optic ribbon that can is flexible and can be customized by controller. Source recommends that this light be used in a low light setting. 

We've mounted it in front of the Sensory Room windows as a way to create privacy in front of the glass. 

Each click of the attached controller changes the setting. To turn the Mesh off, press the controller button for several seconds. 

 

 

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LED Light Bar

Located over the whiteboard, these LED light bars can be set to a variety of modes to create different ambiance for the room. 

The remote is located at the bottom of the whiteboard.

 

 

 

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Happy Light

This is a SAD therapy lamp that delivers up to 10,000 lux for effective, safe, and natural light therapy. Customizable with 4 brightness levels, 3 HappyHue color temperature options, and a convenient countdown timer that is programable in 10 minute increments (up to 1 hour). 

Located in the wall storage of the Sensory Room. Feel free to move and plug in the Happy Light wherever you need. 

 

 

 

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Room Divider

In order to make the space flexible for more than one user, we've included a room divider so that the space can be separated into small sections.

 

 

 

 

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Earmuffs

We chose these earmuffs as the trial model because they're lightweight, flexible, adjustable, and offers 26 dB of noise reduction.

 

 

 

 

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White Noise Machine

Offers 20 unique non-looping sounds - 10 fan sounds & 10 white noise variations, including pink & brown noise.

This will be available in the wall shelves beside the door and can be plugged around the room to create a flexible study set up.

 

 

 

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Weighted Lap Pads

 10"x20" weighted lap pads are filled with non-toxic, hypo-allergenic poly pellets.

Included in the space are three with varying weights including:

• 2 lbs (Owls)

• 3 lbs (Owls)

• 5 lbs (Red Polkadot)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Shoulder Pads

These wraps are made of laminate fabric and weigh 4.5 lb. 

Two pads are included in the space.

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Fidget Tools

 

 

 

Fidget Dodecagon

12 sides Includes Gears, Buttons, Joystick, Switch, Soothes, and Stress Balls, Disk, Silicone balls, Joystick ect.

There are two fidget dodecagons in the room

 

 

 

 

 

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String Ball (Koosh)

Bouncy stress balls with unique design made of silicone (latex free).

There are five available in the room.

 

 

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Infinity Cube

Composed with eight (8) ABS plastic blocks linked together with stainless steel metal rivets that can be manipulated into a variety of shapes.

There are two available in the room.

 

 

 

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Therapy Tangle

A tactile, sensory fidget that consists of a series of interconnected plastic pieces that can be twisted, turned, and manipulated

There are five tangles available in the room. 

 

 

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Fidget Spinner

A combination of three different sized circles and a sphere core.

 

 

 

 

 

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Pop Fidget

Made of high quality food grade silicone, that offers ten push pop bubbles.

There are five pop fidgets available in the room.