United Methodist Church introduces sensory inclusion program

by Laura Straub

Finding new ways to make the church a more inclusive place is a priority for the staff at Brecksville United Methodist Church. With that mission in mind, office manager Melanie Smith led the church in a new project to make the space and services more suitable for individuals with sensory issues.

The idea was initiated by Smith, when she read an article about the Cleveland Indians partnering with an organization called KultureCity to make Progressive Field a sensory-inclusive venue.

The timing was perfect: The church’s director of education, Jenny Gee, had just attended a workshop on disability ministries, and after seeing how other churches were addressing sensory issues, she was excited to get involved.

After sharing the story with the Rev. Clark Stein and the church staff, Smith reached out online and connected with one of KultureCity’s founders, Dr. Julian Maha.

The staff completed a survey about the church space and received a link to an online training program.

“In the training, we learned how to recognize and properly address people with sensory sensitivities, how to safely de-escalate when someone becomes upset, and how to create spaces where those with sensory sensitivities can feel welcomed and safe,” said Smith.

Once half of the staff completed the instructional videos and quiz, the church was deemed sensory certified. Training, however, is ongoing.

“We’re encouraging all of our volunteers to participate, particularly those who teach Sunday School and those who serve as greeters and ushers,” Smith said.

KultureCity sent several sensory bags to the church that included tools to help those with sensitivities.

“Each bag has noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget ball, a fidget mesh, a fidget tangle and mood cards, which can help people who are non-verbal communicate how they’re feeling or what they need,” said Smith. “The bag also includes a tag and lanyard that can help identify a person as someone with sensory sensitivity.”

In addition, the church supplies four weighted lap pads. Visitors can check out both the bags and pads to use during any occasion, from worship services to concerts and community meals.

Another component of KultureCity’s program is its app.

“It helps people find venues which are sensory inclusive,” Smith said. “Within 15 miles of Brecksville, there are eight locations, including Akron-Summit Public Library branches, Progressive Field, Quicken Loans Arena and the Rock Hall.”

The app features a social story or a pictorial slideshow that can help someone with sensory sensitivities understand what it is like to visit the church. Other features include a help request for those visiting. And to reduce anxiety before visiting the church for the first time, users can request a tour before coming to worship services.

KultureCity also provided the church with signs that help direct people to quiet and headphone zones.

“Quiet zones are places that people can go and escape the noise and lights and crowds,” said Smith. “Right now, our chapel is a designated quiet zone. It’s a space set aside for quiet and contemplation, and it’s located on the same floor of the church as the sanctuary.”

Smith said the staff is putting the finishing touches on a quiet room on the third floor. It is a peaceful space that includes a comfy couch and a reading nook, she said. During the summer, the front lawn’s courtyard can be considered a quiet zone at times.

Ultimately, Smith and the Brecksville UMC staff hope the initiative will reinforce the church’s culture of inclusion and acceptance of all people.

“We want people and families who may have been feeling isolated to feel welcome and included,” Smith said. “We want all people when they come to the church to feel that they are truly loved.”

 

Featured image photo caption: Melanie Smith demonstrates noise-cancelling headphones available to those with sensory sensitivities. Photo by J. Kananian