Sensory processing issues affect every age and can be experienced with many different diagnoses. These sensory issues can make it impossible for people to attend or participate in church without modifications or sensory tools. It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to become a sensory-friendly church, and this series will walk you through each of the sensory areas to become a church that cares for and shares the Gospel with people experiencing sensory processing issues.
Introduction: Part 1 of 6
Gain understanding, awareness, and empathy for the 16.5% of the population with sensory processing issues. Learn the simple steps to make your whole church and ministry events sensory-friendly. This introductory video explains the basics of sensory processing and what causes under- and over-responsiveness, hypersensitivity, overload, meltdowns, and shutdowns and even more importantly, how to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Sight: Part 2 of 6
The wrong lighting and visual clutter can prevent people with sensory processing issues from attending your church or ministry events. Discover how to use lighting and visual cues to create a welcoming environment and encourage learning for everyone.
Sound: Part 3 of 6
Sound can enhance learning and create an inviting atmosphere, but the wrong sound can prevent people from attending your church or ministry events. Gain awareness and understanding for people with auditory processing issues and learn simple steps to solve many common problems in church environments.
Touch: Part 4 of 6
Touch, textures and temperatures are very important sensory areas to consider in church and ministry events. Common things such as greetings, seating, clothing, meals, communion, and baptism can be extremely difficult for people with sensory processing issues. This training will help increase awareness and understanding in order to anticipate needs and create a welcoming environment.
Movement & Body Awareness: Part 5 of 6
Simple solutions for anyone with the wiggles. Discover how to provide easy alternative seating and movement breaks for your church or ministry events to help people with the need to move. Also discover how weighted items and heavy pressure can reduce anxiety and help with calming.
Smell & Taste: Part 6 of 6
We don’t often consider how our church smells and how that may affect people with sensory processing issues. It is important to consider all areas of the church, including kitchens, sanctuaries, fellowship halls and bathrooms. Issues around sensory processing can cause problems with attending fellowships, meals and even gatherings such as worship.