Family Division of the Allegheny County Courthouse Initiates Sensory-Friendly Areas
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is thrilled to announce sensory-friendly areas in development at the Family Division of the Allegheny County Courthouse . We explored the facility with The Honorable Jennifer McCrady , the judge who initiated the project , who also took time to answer our questions about the importance of sensory-sensitive spaces .
Judge McCrady stands in the serene sensory room , an oasis from the bustling courthouse environment
Autism Connection : What prompted you to create the sensory-friendly areas ? Judge McCrady : The Family Division is a chaotic environment and can be very overwhelming for members of the community to navigate . The majority of the individuals entering the building have experienced a trauma and may have any number of disabilities . We , as a court , needed to do better to recognize that the physical space was not conducive to the population that we serve . After input from stakeholders , youth , and families , the court partnered with Carnegie Mellon Human Centered Design class to revamp the space and communication . As part of the recommendations from CMU , it was clear that the court needed to make improvements for individuals with disabilities . The sensory room provides a quiet and calm space for an individual in a rather chaotic environment .
Sensory-Friendly fidget toys available in every courtroom with many refills accessible by contacting Judge McCrady ' s staff