As a parent of neurodivergent children, Carmel resident Jessica Willits has seen firsthand how difficult it can be to find places that truly accommodate sensory needs.
“Many families, including mine, often struggle to participate in everyday activities because environments aren’t designed with sensory sensitivities in mind,” Willits says, whose two oldest sons are autistic. That’s why she started Sensory in Indy, a new initiative dedicated to enhancing sensory-friendly experiences throughout the Central Indiana area. With the help of her non-profit, Neurodiversity Connection, Willits is hoping to bridge this gap and bring together local businesses and service providers to create intentional, welcoming spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Sensory In Indy is a month-long event held during April, which is Autism Awareness Month. It features sensory-friendly venues and autism-specific services across Central Indiana. The month-long event kicked off on April 1 with a celebration at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Carmel. The event was an opportunity for families, caregivers and community members to come together and learn more about the sensory-friendly resources available in the area.
“Our mission is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can participate in the rich cultural and recreational offerings of the Central Indiana area,” Willits says. “We are thrilled to launch this initiative and look forward to collaborating with local venues and organizations to expand sensory-friendly opportunities for all.”
People interested in participating in Sensory in Indy during the month of April can visit the website to check out the directory of sensory-friendly venues and the deals they’re offering. Then, just visit those locations or purchase the services during April, and take advantage of the special offers. Some of the participating locations include Wright’s Gymnastics, Carter’s Play Place, Create Art Studio, The Busy Bee Play Cafe and many other venues and services.
While many of the sensory-friendly programs focus on children, Willits recognizes that sensory needs don’t disappear in adulthood. “We want to make sure that individuals of all ages — including teens and adults — can find experiences that support their needs,” she says. “Our goal is to make inclusivity the standard across Central Indiana, not just an afterthought.”
For more information about Sensory in Indy and to find out how to participate during Autism Awareness Month, visit neurodiversityconnection.com/sensoryinindy.
