Sensory Support Kits are meant to assist those with a variety of sensory needs, including but not limited to those with Autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergences. Designed in consultation with Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services, a Sensory Support Kit contains an assortment of items to stimulate and encourage development of various senses. Sensory support items may also reduce stress and anxiety and provide comfort in various environments.

Kits focus on one or more senses: hearing, sight, touch, balance, and self-movement/body position. In addition, RWL offers general kits for exploring fidget items.

Each kit contains tinted glasses, noise cancelling headphones, and a communication tool (either cards or board).

Remaining contents vary depending on the focus of the kit. Some examples:

• Auditory kits may contain rainmakers, echo and sound balls, piano mat, and/or sound buzzers.
• Visual kits may contain a dark den (tent), fibre optic lamp, light up spheres, light up spinning tops.
• Tactile kits may contain massagers, vibrating cushions, textured mats, tactile glow spheres.
• Body & motion kits may contain a wiggle seat, balance boards, lap pads, body rolling pins.
• Fidget kits contain various fidget items: fidget tubes, Hoberman sphere, water wigglers, tangles, stress balls.

How to borrow

Sensory Support Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks. You can place them on hold and choose to pick them up at any Region of Waterloo Library location. Limit of two Sensory Support Kits per card holder.

Kits may be renewed if no hold is waiting.

Sensory Support Kits can be returned to any RWL location during library hours of operation.

This collection is supported by the Lyle S. Hallman Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.