Does your venue feel like a constant head-banging nightclub? That’s great if it genuinely is a nightclub, but what if you were trying to create a serene oasis for a chill coffee?

• Turn down the background music to make it easier for customers to hear each other.
• Use soft furnishings to dampen any echoes the space may have.
• Use softer mood lighting to make the environment more comfortable.

Many people are sensitive to loud sounds, intense lights or strong smells. It may cause pain, give them debilitating migraines, and make your business associated with bad experiences. At worst, severe sensory stimulation may trigger an epileptic seizure.

Soft lighting, muted background noise and a neutral smelling environment will make your business a pleasant place to be, not just for people with sensory disabilities, but also for anyone looking for a calm and quiet environment.

A sensory friendly business is one that welcomes:

• people with sensory disabilities
• people who want a calm place to study and work
• people who want a quiet place to have a discussion

• Soft furnishings like cushions, carpet and curtains will absorb echoes and make it easier for people to talk
• Consider booth seating to create more private and comfortable sections.
• Offer as much room between tables as you can, or consider how you could provide certain tables with more space if necessary.
• Offer access to private rooms to create different spaces with different levels of sensory stimulation.

• Be flexible with orders, understand that some tastes can be unpleasant for some people
• State clearly if something is on the menu but not currently available. You can do this when you seat people or use stickers on menus to state something is sold out or unavailable
• Assess whether people at the table are comfortable with non essential interruptions. Some customers may prefer to get your attention if they require assistance.
• Avoid wearing heavily scented perfumes or colognes. They may smell nice to you but can be overwhelming to others.

• Mood lighting or soft lights can be more calming for everyone, including those with sensory needs
• Put sauces or gravies in separate containers so people can control how much they would like to use if any.
• Consider whether background music is needed and if so ensure it is unobtrusive.
• Avoid heavily using scented perfumes or air fresheners.
• Provide unscented soap in the bathrooms instead of, or in addition to, scented soap
• Offer activities and menu options to occupy children or the childlike at heart.

• Put your menu online to help people make decisions ahead of time.
• Online booking allows people to select a time and confirm without having to phone.
• Do not have music or videos auto-play on your website.

• The Treehouse Cafe in Geelong, Australia, is a cafe that provides a quiet atmosphere, a carefully designed menu, a sensory and trained staff.

• Read more about soundproofing on Wikipedia
• Test the decibel level of your business using SoundPrint
• ArchDaily has a series of articles exploring different considerations in designing for autism, from lighting to spatial volume.
• CarAutismRoadMap has an article listing out different issues to consider when designing spaces. Although it is written with children with autism in mind, many tips can be adapted for adult audiences.