Western Illinois University will create sensory rooms at both of its campuses as a resource for neurodivergent people.
Advocates hope to open them by the end of the spring 2024 semester.
A sensory room is a place where neurodivergent people or those with sensory needs can go to find a relaxing and calm environment away from overstimulation such as harsh light and loud noises.
Illinois House Resolution 219, which passed last year, encourages institutions of higher education to support and embrace neurodivergence in the university classroom. The resolution caught the attention of WIU Political Science Professor Casey LaFrance.
“If you are neurodiverse, you have a different way of sensing or perceiving the world,” he said.
LaFrance and Student Government Association President Kyle Ramlow took the idea of creating a sensory room to Carl Ervin, Director of the Office for Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. The JIDE office then formed the Initiative and Accessibility Committee to pilot the sensory room project for both of WIU’s campuses.
“We’re looking to make sure the light is low in the room,” Ervin said. “Definitely a low sensory space where people can have time for themselves.”
On the Macomb campus, the sensory room will be in Morgan Hall 445. Western Illinois Neurodiversity Support will decide on items to purchase for the room.
“Morgan Hall is kind of our pilot sensory space (in Macomb),” said Julie Curless, who advises WINS and also chairs the committee in charge of the sensory room project.
“We would like to put a sensory space in the Union and then on our later list, the long-term goal would have one available in each residence hall.”
The funding for the sensory room comes from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, money raised by the Initiative and Accessibility Committee, and the Central Illinois Autism Association.
On WIU’s Moline campus, the sensory room will be in the Union.
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