Going out to eat. Getting haircuts. Visiting an indoor play space. For some families, these routine activities feel impossible. When a child has sensory sensitivities, these activities are overwhelming.
To some children, the ordinary sounds of people talking, eating, or background music can be as overwhelming as being at a rock concert with a migraine. To some, sitting still can be uncomfortable or even painful, and they need a sensory outlet.
Often, these sensitivities make it hard — or even impossible — for their families to go out with them. Errands, activities, and outings are distant dreams for these children and their families because it is simply too complicated.
We’re out to change that.
With an educational presentation, bins of small sensory items, and a small window sticker, we’ve begun to certify qualifying business as sensory friendly certified. We’re bringing sensory awareness and accommodations to family venues, one small business at a time.
We all process everything around us through our senses. The things we perceive through our senses are known as sensory input, and most people process this input at similar levels.
Some people have sensory sensitivities. Their minds process sensory input differently than most people. This can make lights feel brighter, sounds seem louder, or textures feel rougher. It can also go the opposite way, where sounds seem too quiet and touch barely registers. Both kinds of sensitivity are especially common in children and adults with autism.
A sensory friendly certification tells people that a business is set up to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.
If you don’t know about sensitivities, you can’t help. All certified businesses participate in a BCBA-led training and provide informative materials and training to their staff. They might also share information for their community to help create a more sensory-friendly world.
One of the best ways to help is to offer tools that sensitive people can use. Whether they stock noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys, a sensory inclusive business gives their guests materials to help find a comfortable level of sensory input.
There are so many ways a business can help families feel welcome. Whether they allow movements, provide judgment-free zones, or invite guests to reach out for extra sensory-related support, they go the extra mile to accommodate people with sensory sensitivities.
*Image curtesy of Autism Society Florida
When a cafe, store, or activity center accommodates sensory differences, it makes the world of a difference for families. For busy moms, it means that errands are doable. For overwhelmed families, it means outings together are possible. For a sensory-sensitive child, it means going with mom is bearable — or even fun. It means that doing everyday things in everyday places isn’t impossible.
In today’s world, accessibility is standard. Patrons of any business range all levels of ability, and every good business works to accommodate them. Becoming a sensory inclusive business means being there for your customers and standing up for a better world. Your customers are real people with real values, and they see, respect, and patronize businesses that stand up for those values and for people they know.
The Circle Care Services certifications are available for small businesses or local branches of larger chains. Our sensory inclusive partners range from the practical and can’t-do-without-it services, like a children’s haircutting center, to the fun, creative, and enjoyable activities, like an innovative art center.
| Barbers | Cafes and eateries | Ice cream shops | Dentists | Play centers |
| Retail stores | Community programs | Theaters | Service providers | Events |
Do you want to certify a different kind of business? Reach out to discuss it.
If you want to make your business inclusive, reach out. A representative will get in touch with you to get you started.
During the certification process, one of our BCBAs will come down to meet you at a time that works for you. They’ll walk you through the process and help your team create an environment that works for people of all sensory types. They’ll also provide educational training for you and your staff, so you’ll be well-equipped to support your visitors and guests.
If our certifying representative finds that your space’s setup is not the most inclusive, they’ll share ideas to help you to create a more sensory-friendly space. They will also give you ideas that can help you accommodate sensory sensitivities, as well as a bin of sensory items that are helpful.
Getting certified is a way you can give back to your community. It’s a way for you to show families and children that you care. It’s a way that you can change reality for people in a way that is small for you but huge for them.
Becoming sensory inclusive means becoming the one who makes a difference.
A sensory friendly certification is a designation given to businesses that accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. Certified businesses receive BCBA-led training, provide sensory tools, and create an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Certification helps families with sensory-sensitive members feel safe and included. It shows that the business values accessibility and supports a better, more inclusive world for all patrons.
Businesses must meet three prerequisites: provide staff education, offer sensory support tools, and actively accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities in their setup and practices.
Any small business or local branch of a chain can be certified. Examples include barbers, cafes, dentists, play centers, theaters, community programs, and retail stores. Others are welcome to inquire.
A BCBA visits your business, assesses the environment, offers suggestions, provides training, and supplies a bin of sensory tools. The process is designed to equip your team for inclusive support.
Sensory support tools include items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and visual aids that help individuals with sensory sensitivities manage their environment more comfortably.
Certified businesses receive a window sticker or wall certificate, a bin of sensory items, and training from a BCBA to ensure their space is welcoming to all sensory profiles.
Reach out to Circle Care Services to begin. A representative will contact you to schedule a visit and guide you through the certification steps, training, and setup adjustments if needed.