Accessibility Advances at East Carolina University: Sensory Room in Joyner Library

Abstract

This project aimed to provide essential resources to neurodiverse students at East Carolina University, fostering a sense of inclusion within the university community. To develop an effective resource that addresses the needs of the neurodiverse population without ostracizing them, we conducted interviews with many students and faculty members. These discussions offered valuable insights into the experiences of neurodiverse individuals on campus and identified additional resources that needed to be developed. Through a combination of interviews and internet research, our team recognized the importance of creating a centralized resource to help both neurodiverse students and their peers. We designed a sensory room equipped with various features, such as alternative seating and sensory tools to provide students with options for decompressing during the typical school day in East Carolina University’s Main Campus Library (Joyner Library). Building on the positive feedback received from the initial Sensory Room in Joyner Library, we inspired the conversion of six study rooms into alternative study spaces closely modeled after the original sensory room. This initiative aims to enhance the overall campus experience for neurodiverse students, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.