Designing inclusive, supportive library environments requires thoughtful attention to the needs of neurodiverse users and others with sensory-processing differences. This session explores how a private, four year institution’s academic library collaborated with campus partners and students with disabilities to create a dedicated sensory space—an intentionally calming environment that supports emotional regulation, focus, and well being. Grounded in a multi tiered user research framework, the project centered students who self identified as having sensory needs and invited them to directly shape design decisions, furniture and equipment selection, and overall functionality. The session will trace the full lifecycle of the project, including building cross-campus coalitions, aligning the initiative with institutional priorities, securing external grant funding, and managing a multi year planning and implementation process. Presenters will share high level findings from user research; examples of effective collaboration with accessibility services, counseling staff, and facilities teams; and practical guidance for developing policies, budgeting, procurement, and long term sustainability. Participants will leave with adaptable strategies for replicating sensory spaces in academic, public, or specialized library settings. By highlighting the social model of disability and emphasizing meaningful inclusion, the session demonstrates how libraries can transform physical spaces to better support neurodiverse community members and advance equity within their organizations.
