The space was designed for people with sensory processing disorders who need emotional security Text: Mariane Barbosa | Image: Marianne Barbosa
The month of September aims to raise public awareness of the importance of welcoming, accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. In this sense, The Town festival, which took place during the month in São Paulo, created an accessibility center to ensure everyone’s participation with emotional security.
Conceived by occupational therapist Luciana Sanged Portella and project managing director, Michele Melo Spider, the space consists of a sensory integration room aimed at audiences with sensory processing disorders, such as autistics and people with anxiety, who need regulate sensory, auditory, auditory, visual, tactile and proprioceptive issues – classified by experts as “that desire for a hug, for a welcome”.
Portella explains that anxiety attacks affect understanding of the environment, which impacts the entire organizational system. “That ends up causing fainting processes, generalized anxiety disorder, so I go into a state of panic and would like to leave the space at any moment,” she says.
The environment, ideal for children and adults seeking this refuge, is composed of a low yellow light, less harmful to the visual sense. Inside you can find a ball pit, beanbags and sensory Lycra swings, as well as weighted blankets that give a feeling of protection. “They end up feeling welcomed, the anxiety subsides and they are able to go out and enjoy the show.”
On the first day of the festival – held on 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 September – the space welcomed an average of 14 autistic people, aged 17 to 30, with sensory crises caused above all by the rain. . “They felt totally threatened and took refuge here,” says Portella.
“To be included it is not enough to invite people to participate in the event, to be included you need to understand people’s needs and adapt to the different characteristics”, underlines Melo.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
