In summary

  • A new sensory room for all students and staff is now open on the ground floor of the John Street Library at Hawthorn campus
  • They provide a calming and controlled environment that can reduce sensory overload, particularly for people with sensory sensitivities
  • A student-led project, the sensory rooms create a more inclusive and accessible campus

Need a break from the sometimes busy, overstimulating environments while on campus?

Now all students and staff have access to the new sensory space on the ground floor of the John Street library at Hawthorn campus, providing a calm and controlled environment that can reduce sensory overload, ease stress and support mental wellbeing.

This project was student-led by the members of the Swinburne Association for Accessibility (SAFA) and collaborated closely with the staff Swinburne Accessibility Network (SAN), to develop a plan to bring it to life.

The sensory room is an exciting step in providing essential support for people with disabilities, raising awareness of the needs of students and staff, and enhancing educational opportunities for our Swinburne community. 

Championing inclusivity

Student and SAFA member, Arlo speaks to the utility of the space, particularly for people with sensory sensitivities including neurodivergent students and staff.

“Unlike quiet spaces, a sensory space gives people the ability to use sensory seeking or sensory avoidant techniques to help regulate themselves,” says Arlo.

“With a range of different forms of pressure devices, textures, and fidget toys, it will hopefully allow everyone to find something that helps them.”

Director Vice-Chancellor Education, Experience and Employability Professor Laura-Anne Bull celebrates the student effort into bringing an inclusive space to campus.

“It’s fantastic to see students build an impressive business case for this space to be created, and to see the project come to life,” says Professor Laura-Anne Bull.

“Enhancing disability inclusion and accessibility is imperative, and we look forward to making more efforts to improve spaces, policies and practices at Swinburne and across our other campuses.”

Plans are underway to bring sensory rooms to the Croydon and Wantirna campuses to expand the initative, so keep an eye out on further announcements.

To find the sensory room, on the ground floor of the Hawthorn library, turn left into the corridor past the IT TechBAR to room LB205. To access the space, remember to bring your student or staff card to scan in.

Related articles