Who is affected?

 

 

 

Public spaces across the UK are not designed with sensory or neurodivergent needs in mind. For people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, sensory processing disorders, anxiety, and other hidden disabilities — simply stepping into a supermarket, cinema, or waiting room can be overwhelming, painful, or even unsafe. As a mother to a neurodivergent child, I’ve seen firsthand how isolating and exhausting it is to navigate a world that isn’t built for you.

 

This isn’t just inconvenient — it’s exclusion.

 

 

 

What is at stake?

Without clear national standards, neurodivergent individuals will continue to be left out of everyday life. Families will keep avoiding places that should be safe. Children will keep missing out. Adults will keep masking, struggling, or staying home.

 

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With simple, low-cost adjustments — like calmer lighting, reduced noise, clearer signage, staff training, or access to sensory tools — public spaces can become inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all.

 

It’s not always about changing the whole environment — sometimes it’s about making people aware of what to expect, so they can prepare.

When sensory information is visible and predictable, people gain choice, confidence, and control.

 

And when things do become overwhelming?

There should be somewhere to go that isn’t a dirty disabled toilet.

People deserve a clean, calm space to decompress with dignity — not to hide, not to feel like a burden, but to recover and return.

 

 

Why is now the time to act?

We already have models like food hygiene ratings and wheelchair access guidance — now it’s time for sensory accessibility to be recognised too.

 

The need is real. The impact is measurable. And the change is possible.

 

I founded Sensory Spaces UK to help venues become more inclusive — but we need systemic change. We’re calling on the UK Government to recognise sensory inclusion as a legal access need under the Equality Act and commit to creating national sensory-friendly standards.

 

This petition is the first step. Let’s build a future that welcomes everyone.