Centre County businesses offering sensory kits for neurodiverse visitors
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Centre County businesses are being equipped with sensory comfort kits to ensure the county is more welcoming and accessible to neurodiverse individuals.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Acres Project partnered to provide 100 of these kits to establishments. This is part of the Acres Project's Sensory Friendly Centre County initiative. Each kit contains several items which includes, earmuffs, coloring books, Play-Doh, and fidget toys. The goal of the kits is for individuals with sensory processing disorder feel more comfortable when in public settings. Sensory processing disorders affect how the brain receives and responds to sensory input, which can make everyday activities challenging.
'We want to show that we care that we are a welcoming county and provide these kits so that these families and these individuals that have sensory processing issues can enjoy the attraction, the restaurant location or activity a lot longer,' Chief Operating Officer Josiah Jones said.
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The launch of the expanded initiative coincides with National Tourism & Travel Week, May 4-10, and prior to Penn State graduation, a time when Happy Valley will see an influx of visitors, and summer trip planning is underway.
Acres Project Founder and Executive Director Bellamarie Bregar said she appreciates the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau's interest in strengthening the Sensory Friendly Centre County program.
'Through this partnership, more businesses and organizations will be able to request comfort kits that can be given to guests/customers if ever needed,' she said.
'We applaud the Acres Project for the tremendous work the organization does serving neurodivergent individuals,' HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith said. 'With our commitment to fostering an inclusive destination, we saw a need to get more establishments, hospitality businesses in particular, to participate in the Sensory Friendly Centre County initiative.'
The sensory comfort kits will also be available at the HVAB's three visitor centers at 204 W. Beaver Ave. in State College; the Bellefonte Train Station; and the Moshannon Valley Heritage Center at 22 N. Front Street in Philipsburg.
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