Here at our district event, we provide sanitized sensory bags for those who feel overwhelmed at competitions. They're free and available at our ticket booth, as well as the snacks and everything else we sell there. When you check them out the bags come with multiple fidgets to calm the anxiety and stress that come with going to competitions. As a team, our main goal is to give people a safe place which is why we also have a space called The Quiet room. The Quiet Room is located in our school library where those who feel overwhelmed can come to a place to cool down.
- What is a sensory bag? A toolkit to help students, mentors, and fans with sensory processing difficulties fully participate in the competition.
- What does it mean to have sensory processing difficulties? According to Fraser.org, “Sensory processing difficulties can cause people to react with extreme discomfort to loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, crowds, and other stimuli. Some individuals may experience sensory overload in these situations, and others may emotionally withdraw. This makes ordinary experiences, like going to the dentist, getting a haircut, or attending a sporting event very challenging. “
- What’s in our sensory bag to help with these difficulties? Noise canceling earmuffs, a weighted lap snake, sunglasses, a noodle fidget, a tangle fidget, a popping fidget, and a marble fidget. There will also be single-use disposable earplugs available at the sensory bag station.
- Who can check out a sensory bag and for how long? Anyone that feels they can benefit from a sensory bag, can check one out. That person has to return the sensory bag by the end of each competition day.
- Who can utilize the quiet room? Anyone that feels like they can benefit from the quiet room, can use it.
- Where can I check out a sensory bag? The sensory bag station is located at the Volunteer Check-In in the main lobby area outside of the gym.
- Where can I find the quiet room? The quiet room is in the library.