Sensory Tools for Disability Ministry
Whether we realize it or not, our days are filled with sensory stimulation. From the lights in a room to the tags in our shirts, our senses are constantly being triggered.
This can be especially true at church. The music can be loud, the chairs can be stiff, and there can often be an expectation to do a lot of sitting. The church environment can prove challenging for some individuals with disabilities who experience sensation differently than the general church population.
We want to give you a few practical ways that you can prepare your church setting for friends with sensory needs, as well as provide some recommendations of different tools you can use in your classroom.
When I first started working in disability ministry, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was just a little grad student with a love for the Gospel and disability, and that was a perfectly fine place to start.
My church was kind enough to provide a space for a sensory room, so I filled it with things that I’d seen in other sensory rooms. String lights, lava lamps, soft rugs, fidgets, etc. Unfortunately, it functioned more like a 90s dorm room than a sensory room. When students started coming to the room for sensory breaks, they had a cute place to hang out, but not much in the way of useful sensory tools.
Thankfully, there is grace for my lack of knowledge, and I started to talk to the students and their parents about what would benefit them most.
Goodbye string lights, lava lamps, and rugs.
Hello crash pads, body socks, light covers, swings, and sensory bins.
As time went on, the sensory room evolved into a space that better met students’ needs. But that’s the thing: it took time. It took preparation, conversations with parents, and some trial-and-error.
Not every church has the ability to have a designated sensory room. Don’t let that discourage you! There are lots of amazing sensory tools that are small enough to fit in a small backpack—no walls required.
Preparing Your Space
Whether you are working in a sate-of-the-art space designed specifically for disability ministry, or you are sitting in tiny wooden chairs around a kidney bean table, there are some ways you can prepare your space to make it more sensory-friendly.
Light Covers - Most churches have pretty harsh overhead lighting. Light covers allow you to still use the overhead lights while softening the overall experience.
Flexible Seating Options - Some friends might have a better experience sitting in a bean bag chair rather than a stiff-backed chair. Others might prefer to sit on the floor. Maybe some need a wiggle seat. Allowing different types of seating within the classroom could make students more comfortable and more engaged.
Noise-Canceling Headphones - Church can be loud! Having some noise-canceling headphones on hand may help students participate in worship or other activities without being overstimulated.
Sensory Bins - Fidget spinners, monkey noodles, poppers, and squishies are great options to have available, especially when students are expected to sit still. Just be sure to clean them after class!
Sensory Input Tools
For some individuals with disabilities, specific sensory input can calm the nervous system or increase focus. One of the most famous examples of this is Temple Grandin, who created her own “squeeze machine” to provide deep pressure when she needed sensory input.
While our churches probably are not equipped to have this tool, there are excellent products that can provide sensory input for our friends who need it while participating in church.
Fidget Pack - Spinners, Poppers, Noodles
Sensory Deprivation Tools
Some environments–especially church–can feel overwhelming. These sensory depriving items allow students to take a break without missing the truth of the Gospel on a Sunday morning.
When you're ready to start building your sensory toolkits, check out Awe & Wonder's Buddy Bag Bundle and Calm Kit on the website!
