Emporia State University is working towards creating special sensory spaces for its neurodivergent students.
University Libraries and Archives Professor Terri Summey recently received a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association’s initiative, “Libraries Transforming Communities,” and another $10,000 grant from Women for ESU for what she calls “A Place of Comfort and Calm.” She tells KVOE there will be several features designed to make life easier for autism-spectrum or other neurodivergent students.
The current plan involves a study room on first floor that will be transformed for students on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent students. These students will have 24-7 card access to that space. There will also be an existing quiet area on fourth floor that will be built out for all students, as well as a new collection of material about spectrum disorders and a professional development speaker.
The public is encouraged to learn more about this project with a special presentation Tuesday called “Creating Sensory Spaces in the ESU Library.” This will be at White Library Room 222 beginning at 4 pm. The presentation will also be on Zoom. We have the link with our story at KVOE.com.
