Sensory Impairment and Sensory Processing Issues: Accommodating for the Five Senses

Loud chatter from down the hall. Bright, fluorescent lights hanging over your workstation. A scratchy uniform or strongly scented perfume lingering in the break room. Sensations that, for many, are commonplace and easily fade into the background. For those with sensory impairments, these stimuli can become a daily struggle to manage and a major interference to their work.

A sensory issue refers to a condition where an individual has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information from their environment. This can include being overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive) to stimuli such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.

Who Is Affected by Sensory Issues?

Those commonly affected include neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD). It can also be experienced by those with mental health conditions, chronic health conditions, allergies and respiratory conditions, migraines, and more. Disabilities impacting sensory systems also include visual and hearing disabilities.

The Duty to Accommodate

It is the employer’s responsibility to accommodate those who require specific adjustments to their tools and workspace if it relates to a sensory impairment disability or sensory processing disorder.  Those with sensory impairments may require adjustments to the environmental conditions or the use of tools to help them intake sensory information to the best of their ability. Employers can also consider implementing widespread inclusive policies and ergonomic design to ensure that the workplace is a comfortable place for everyone – promoting true diversity inclusion.

Examples of Sensory Issues

Employees may experience a variety of sensory issues that can affect concentration, mood, physical comfort, and work performance.

• Visual:

• Sensitivity to bright lights, patterns, or colours.
• Overstimulation from visual input or environmental clutter at the workstation
• Low vision or blindness
• Auditory:
• Difficulty with loud or sudden noises, background sounds, or specific frequencies
• Difficulty processing speech input when background sounds are present
• Overstimulation from auditory input
• Hard of hearing or deafness
• Olfactory:
• Strong reactions to certain smells, which might cause discomfort, overstimulation or nausea.
• Allergies
• Tactile:
• Discomfort with certain textures or physical contact, including clothing or touch.
• Skin conditions
• Vestibular:
• Sensitivity to motion, balance issues, or feeling dizzy easily.
• Needing constant movement, feeling restless or fidgety

Sensory Accommodations and Strategies for Inclusive Design

Employers can use some of the following strategies to create sensory-friendly environments for all employees. For individuals who require accommodations, employers can engage an Occupational Therapist for an accommodation assessment to help identify employee challenges and find the best solution for their specific needs. (Note: this is not an exhaustive list of all possible solutions).

Address Sensory Triggers

• Lighting: Use adjustable lighting, reduce glare on screens, and incorporate natural light.
• Noise: Provide noise-canceling headphones, create quiet zones, and use sound-absorbing materials to block out background chatter.
• Scents: Implement scent-free policies, including use of personal hygiene products, perfumes, food odours, candles, cleaning products, etc.
• Textures: Consider providing alternatives or adjustments to uniforms and PPE, temperature and humidity, workspace materials and furnishings, cleaning products, etc.
• Motion: Consider furniture layout that minimizes traffic flow and equipment or transportation that limits changes in head position or movement.

Flexible Workspaces

• Quiet zones: Designate quiet areas for focused work.
• Alternative seating: Offer different seating options, such as ergonomic chairs.
• Break rooms: Create calming break rooms where employees can recharge.

Flexible Schedules and Breaks

• Flexible hours: Permit flexible start and end times to avoid peak noise periods.
• Scheduled breaks: Encourage regular breaks to reduce sensory fatigue.

Use of Technology

• White noise machines: Help mask background noise.
• Screen filters: Reduce glare and eye strain.
• Air purifiers: Manage air quality.
• Sensory apps or gadgets: Provide tools for relaxation and focus.
• Technology or assistive devices: Assist with speech and hearing (e.g., voice-to-text or text-to-speech, sound amplification devices such as hearing aids, etc.)

How Can Gowan Consulting Help?

We specialize in providing comprehensive support to create inclusive and accommodating workplaces. Our Occupational Therapists can recommend specific accommodations to mitigate sensory challenges after assessing the worker, tools, and workplace design. Our team also provides consultation on workplace design and inclusive policies, as well as training programs on diversity and inclusion, neurodiversity, supporting employees in distress, and more. View our training offerings or contact us to learn more about how we can support your healthy workplace.