Palm Tree
Palm Tree

How to Ask for Sensory Friendly Accommodations in the Community

By: Kate of Finding Cooper's Voice

The Hawaiian Islands

Made up of eight islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Niihau, the Big Island Hawaii.

Kahoolawe

Hawaii

Lanai

Molokai

Maui

Oahu

Kauai

Niihau

My son Cooper is autistic and can easily get overwhelmed when in the community. But he still wants to go and be included. As his mom, I know just how much sensory friendly accommodations can help him. Here are a few tips to ask:

IDENTIFY

What types of activities does your child like to do but can’t because it’s too overwhelming or not accommodating?

What businesses offer the activities that you are looking for? Once you find one do a search and see what the business currently offers for special needs families.

 RESEARCH

GATHER FRIENDS

Businesses are out to make money. So, gather up as many people as you can to attend at one time. That way it makes financial sense to them.

- robert M. Hensel

There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.

Palm Leaf

ASK FOR SUPPORT

It’s all who you know friends! Ask schools, special needs groups, and elected officials to support you. A phone call from a Police Officer or a county commissioner goes a long way with a business looking for reasons to accommodate your request.

Palm Leaf
Green Leaf

IDEAS

01.

02.

03.

Movie Theater

Zoo

Park 

Below are 3 places that my son loves to go but needs accommodations. Reach out to your local places to see if they will offer a sensory friendly event.

MAKE CONTACT

Email, call, stop by the business. You won't know the answer until you ask. Be prepared to explain what you are asking for and why.

ADVOCATE

Asking for accommodations like skipping the line or an after-hours event may be hard to ask for. Do your research and explain it to them.

You May Hear No

A business may so no to a special event. And that can be heard to hear. But see what they WILL offer. Skipping the line, special seating, etc. ASK. 

Don't Give Up 

One thing I've learned being a special needs mom, is you can't give up. If a move theater says no, get a projector and watch a movie outside. If you can't go to a certain pool, find another. Don't give up.