Welcome to:
The
Sensory
Foundation
Ltd.
Our Mission
To promote sensory-friendly spaces, accessible and inclusive experiences, and a society where everyone, regardless of sensory differences, can participate in all aspects of life.
Our Vision
A world where individuals with sensory needs, their families, and communities feel included, empowered, and supported.
Our Objectives
- Promote awareness and advocate for sensory-friendly environments.
- Foster accessible and inclusive experiences across all settings.
- Empower individuals with sensory processing needs, their families, and communities.
- Collaborate with individuals with lived experiences, researchers, advocates, and businesses to achieve our mission.
- Support evidence-based practices that integrate research, practitioner expertise, and lived experience.
The Problem We Solve
We recognize that small community organizations, non-profits, and volunteers often lack the necessary resources and awareness to recognize the importance of sensory-friendly spaces. This gap in knowledge leaves many vulnerable individuals—such as those with autism, sensory processing disorders, or disabilities—without the accommodations they need to feel comfortable and fully participate in community activities. The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of educational campaigns and funding that highlight the need for sensory-friendly experiences.
Without widespread awareness, sensory-friendly environments are not prioritized, leading to exclusion or discomfort for individuals who rely on sensory accommodations to thrive. Many individuals or grassroots organizations would like to offer more inclusive environments but may not know where to start or have the means to implement the necessary changes.
By organizing targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the need for sensory-friendly spaces, communities can be empowered to make meaningful changes. Additionally, offering free or funded training and resources enables non-profits and volunteers to create environments where everyone feels welcome and included. With proper training, they can learn how to adjust lighting, reduce noise, or provide designated sensory zones, ensuring that everyone can comfortably participate in community activities and events.
The need for our work was deeply informed by our sister organizations, Sensory Friendly Solutions, and Flint Venture Catalyst. Sensory Friendly Solutions is a woman-owned, disability-owned, certified B Corp, and a leading provider of sensory-friendly training, certification, and product recognition. Sensory Friendly Solutions empowers businesses and organizations to create inclusive environments through expert guidance, helping to ensure that spaces are accessible and comfortable for all individuals, regardless of sensory needs. Flint Venture Catalyst has decades of experience in leveraging transformative marketing and is deeply committed to igniting change by sparking educational campaigns that build understanding and drive awareness around critical issues.
The Sensory Foundation fulfills our mission by funding training for those who would not otherwise have the financial means and by educating communities, organizations, and individuals about the importance of sensory-friendly spaces. Moreover, our work is international and not limited by any specific geography.
Our Key Activities
Training
Provide free or funded training and resources to communities and organizations.
Awareness
Organize educational campaigns to raise awareness about the need for sensory-friendly spaces.
Coming Soon!
With thanks our sister organization Sensory Friendly Solutions (SFS), we will soon have our first free resources available in autumn 2024. SFS donates 1% of sales to our foundation to support our operations. Moreover, they are donating a series of training resources that we will make available for free, to support our work and our first steps. Stay tuned!
Our Purpose
The Sensory Foundation Inc. was incorporated in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on September 3, 2024, to do all such activities which may directly or indirectly:
Increase Public Awareness:
Grow public understanding of sensory sensitivity, sensory overload, and their impact in a neurodiverse and sensory-driven society.
Advocate for Sensory-Friendly Spaces:
Promote the creation of accessible and inclusive sensory-friendly spaces for individuals with diverse sensory needs.
Champion Inclusive Experiences:
Advocate for universally accessible and inclusive experiences in all environments, ensuring everyone can participate fully.
Empower for Participation:
Foster a society where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to participate in all aspects of life, regardless of sensory differences.
Empower Individuals and Communities:
Empower individuals with sensory processing needs, their families, and their communities through education, advocacy, and resource development.
Support Evidence-Informed Practices:
Support the development and implementation of practices that integrate research evidence, practitioner expertise, and the lived experiences of individuals with sensory needs.
Founding Board Members
Nicole Kemp
Founding Board Member
Chair
Nicole Kemp has over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and holds an MBA in strategy from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
She previously taught part-time at Seneca College and has led strategic planning and digital marketing efforts for high-profile clients like Molson Coors and LCBO. Nicole specializes in crafting multifaceted strategies to overcome complex challenges across CRM, social media, SEO, and content management systems.
For more information, visit Flint Venture Catalyst.
Charlie Bartlett
Founding Board Member
Vice Chair
Charlie Bartlett has over 35 years of experience across various industries, specializing in advertising, digital marketing, and sales. His expertise lies in building relationships and generating growth for businesses through innovative marketing strategies and leadership.
Christel Seeberger
Founding Board Member
Secretary – Treasurer
With over 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Christel Seeberger brings both professional expertise and personal insights to her work. Living with a hearing disability and experiencing sensory sensitivity and sensory overload firsthand, she is deeply committed to making the world more inclusive and accessible.
Christel’s entrepreneurial journey includes founding, growing, and selling a multi-disciplinary, multi-city private practice. In 2016, she founded Sensory Friendly Solutions, a B Corp Certified social enterprise, dedicated to creating a more sensory-friendly world.
As a founding Board Member of The Sensory Foundation, Christel is excited to further its mission of fostering sensory awareness and accessibility for all.