Sensory Friendly Futures

A Gold Award Project by Lia Fasano, Troop 40745 Congers NY

Our Mission: 

Our mission is to foster inclusivity and understanding by providing fidget bins for neurodivergent individuals in our community. Through this project, we aim to create a welcoming space in the community where individuals can engage with sensory tools that promote comfort, focus, and self-regulation. By increasing awareness and accessibility, we strive to educate the public about neurodivergence and encourage a more supportive and inclusive environment for all. 

About the Project

Why This Project Matters

Neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other cognitive differences—often experience the world in unique ways. Environments that seem typical to some can be overwhelming or overstimulating to others due to bright lights, loud sounds, or unpredictable surroundings.

Fidget bins offer a simple yet powerful tool to support self-regulation, focus, and relaxation. Filled with engaging, textured objects and fidget-friendly tools, these bins provide a safe and accessible way for neurodivergent individuals to stimulate or soothe their senses as needed. Placing fidget bins in public places creates a more inclusive and supportive space where everyone can feel comfortable. Our project will benefit a variety of public places such as  BRIDGES Sensory Room, the Valley Cottage Library, Birchwood School and the Power Kids Club at the CLC!

My Inspiration

This project was inspired by the need for greater inclusivity in public spaces. Many neurodivergent individuals struggle to find environments that accommodate their sensory needs, leading to discomfort, anxiety, or exclusion. Public places are meant to be a welcoming place for learning and exploration, but without sensory-friendly options, they can feel inaccessible to those who need them most.

By incorporating sensory bins into community spaces, I hope to create a lasting impact—one that encourages acceptance, understanding, and meaningful support for all neurodivergent individuals.

Project Goals & Impact

Accessibility: Ensure that neurodivergent individuals feel welcomed and supported in public spaces.

Awareness: Educate the community on neurodiversity and the importance of sensory-friendly environments.

Engagement: Encourage neurodivergent individuals to use and enjoy public resources without sensory barriers.


Sustainability: Maintain and promote the continued use of fidget bins to support future generations.


By making small but meaningful changes, we can help create a world that values neurodiversity and embraces different ways of experiencing life.

Our Participants

We have so many wonderful organizations that we reached out to and are more than willing to be a part of this wonderful project, and let us utilize their space to achieve this, such as, 

BRIDGES Sensory Room in West Nyack, NY at the Palisades Mall 

Power Kids Club in Congers, NY at the Clarkstown Learning Center 

Valley Cottage Library in Valley Cottage, NY 

Birchwood School in West Nyack, NY 

How you can help

There are many ways you can support our mission to create more inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces for neurodivergent individuals. Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or community member—your involvement makes a difference.

1. Donate Sensory Bin Items

We’re always in need of materials to keep the bins well-stocked and engaging. Some helpful items include:

• Fidget toys (like pop-its, tangles and pop tubes)
  
  

• Textured items (acupuncture rings, sensory stones and fidget worms/slugs)
  
  

• Calming tools (keyboard fidget, magnetic rings and water timers)
  
  

• Storage bins or containers
  
  View our Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2M6D5D19UUIKT 

2. Spread Awareness

• Share our website or social media to educate others about neurodiversity.
  
  

• Talk to your school, library, or local leaders about starting sensory-friendly spaces.
  
  

• Use our printable flyers or social graphics to help get the word out.
  
  

3. Volunteer Your Time

• Help assemble or refresh sensory bins.
  
  

• Create educational materials or handouts for display.
  
  

• Assist with future awareness events or workshops.

Earn Community Service Hours and have fun doing so! By supporting us, you are supporting a dream of a lifetime to build better sensory friendly futures!  

4. Start a Project of Your Own

Inspired by what you see? We’re happy to share guidance and resources to help you build a similar project at your school, club, or community center. Let’s build a more inclusive world—together.

Have Other Ideas?

We’d love to hear them! Reach out through our contact us form and let us know how you’d like to be involved.

Contact us form: https://forms.gle/K9DQN3pXeX4FSBNd7

Let's Stay Connected!

Email: sensoryfriendlyfutures@gmail.com

Instagram: @sensoryfriendlyfutures