Sensory-friendly program launches

The Homewood Public Library has teamed up with KultureCity to bring a new interactive program to children.

Sensory Storytime is a periodic program for children and teenagers to “introduce stories and songs in a variety of ways in a sensory friendly atmosphere, in partnership with KultureCity,” according to Laura Tucker, head of the children’s services department at the library.

Sensory Storytime, — launched on Sept. 30 in the library’s children’s department — addresses the need for safely structured programs for individuals with autism and other sensory needs. 

“Sensory stories will add visuals and movement to normal stories,” Tucker said.

The Homewood Public Library has the first children’s department in a library to work with KultureCity, she said. KultureCity was founded in Vestavia Hills in 2013. It helps Birmingham organizations bring better inclusion and awareness to autism. 

Its aim is less about finding a cure for autism and more on creating safe spaces to help individuals with autism unlock their full potential, thus changing the “kulture” and inspiring others by bringing visibility and acceptance in communities everywhere.

Employees at the Homewood Public Library underwent extensive training and earned certification from KultureCity. They have been equipped with an array of tools and techniques to help children with sensory needs focus and participate in an accepting environment. 

“Many of KultureCity’s methods can be beneficial to all children, however,” said Mallory Pritchard, occupational therapist and sensory movement specialist at KultureCity. 

There are designated quiet areas equipped with noise canceling headphones (“Healthy Headphones” by Puro Sound Labs) that are offered during quiet reading time. Visual schedules keep kids focused and on track. And weighted lap blankets (called Eli’s Weighted Blankets, handmade from a mother in Illinois) help children stay seated and grounded by adding a sensory input otherwise missing. Certain strategies and modifications also are set to prevent wandering, such as lifeBOKS, a kit equipped with GPS and identification devices, exclusive to KultureCity.

 “We also like to use a visual ‘Feeling Thermometer’ for children with communication issues to express how they’re feeling,” said Lara Dean, speech therapist at KultureCity. 

These sensory-friendly additions allow parents to feel comfortable that their children are in safe hands and will participate in inclusive activities. Members of the Homewood Public Library and KultureCity said they hope to work together to abolish the stigma that suggests children with autism are diseased, handicapped or disabled by focusing on each child’s strengths. 

Sensory Storytime will allow families with autistic individuals feel more accepted and comfortable in an understanding environment to suit their needs, Tucker said.

She also said she hopes to encourage local schools as well as home school families to participate.

The Homewood Public Library strives to find new and progressive ways to incorporate all children in their exciting and innovative learning programs, Tucker said. Her goal is to make the entire library sensory-friendly for adults as well. 

“We hope to remove walls for people and families who would otherwise feel uncomfortable at the library,” she said. The next Sensory Storytime events are Nov. 21 and Dec. 12. 

For more information and other KultureCity events, go to kulturecity.org.