Hammersmith And Fulham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Westfield London opens a pioneering sensory room, fostering inclusivity for all shoppers, particularly those with disabilities, in Hammersfield and Fulham.
The room was created to offer a peaceful environment for those with cognitive problems and sensory processing disorders, such as autism and ADHD, among others.
It honors Mia Wedgbury, a Jack Tizard School student and Shepherd’s Bush neighborhood advocate for inclusive playgrounds.
Jack Tizard School headteacher Francesca Smith said:
“This thoughtful project, along with the other efforts like sensory backpacks and quiet hours, demonstrates Westfield’s commitment to inclusion.
We are deeply touched by the decision to name the room in honour of Mia, a truly fitting tribute to a cherished member of our school community”.
Westfield’s sensory room, which includes interactive visual projectors, tactile elements, soft furnishings, and calming lighting to help reduce signs of stress, was discussed with Jack Tizard School and Queensmill School, two specialized schools serving children with severe learning difficulties.
Mia, who was 17 at the time of her death, was well-known in the Hammersmith and Fulham neighbourhood for working with her mother to provide accessible playground equipment in Wormholt Park.
Hayley Wedgbury, Mia’s mother, claimed that despite the difficulties her daughter had encountered in life, she was prone to laughter and had a cheeky sense of humor.
In order to normalize the inclusion of children with impairments in public settings, Hayley was motivated by Mia to install inclusive playground equipment in Wormholt Park in 2016.
She raised £7,000 for a wheelchair-accessible swing with the help of Parents Active, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council matched the funds, helping to create a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout.
Wedgebury said:
“I used to feel so guilty, going to the park and kind of being on the sidelines.
Although [Mia] was very entertained hearing children laughing, you don’t feel welcome if you’re not catered for.”
Wedgbury went on to say that the family’s lack of exposure to kids like Mia was the reason behind the looks they got from other kids, which is why inclusive public areas need to become more commonplace.
About six or seven years ago, the center and clients or carers who have impairments started talking about the sensory room at quarterly meetings that were held at Westfield.
Wedgbury emphasized in these conversations how the shopping center served as a community center for her and other caregivers of youth with disabilities on weekends, after school hours, and during school breaks.
She said:
“Westfield became known as our local centre for disabled people, because at least then we had a shelter and things to look around.”
By offering the Jack Tizard school’s sensory room as a source of inspiration for the shopping center’s initiative, Wedgbury acted as a first point of contact between Westfield and the school.
Katie Wyle, head of retail center management at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, stated that in addition to the schools, the center sought advice from an occupational therapist and made benchmark visits, like to Gatwick Airport, to learn about the best practices in sensory-friendly settings.
Wyle said:
“This helped us understand how to effectively accommodate a wide range of sensory needs across different age groups”.
In addition to the new space, the mall provides sensory packs for rent to help adults and kids with sensory needs.
These include ear protectors, a fidget device that resembles bubble wrap, sensory massage balls, sunglasses to lessen light sensitivity, and feeling fans, which help non-verbal people express their emotions.
Caregivers like Wedgbury feel more at ease because of the sensory area.
She said:
“It gives us that peace of mind that there is a space that you can book ahead of time, so that I can plan my day a bit better.
My daughter had seizures and sometimes the lighting would get a bit much for her and so, to have that space, you’re no longer in a panic, thinking ‘I have to go to Westfield for just an hour and get out of there as soon as possible because I don’t want my child to be distressed’.”
Since 2020, the shopping center and the Jack Tizard School have had an official partnership.
The shopping center has provided its students with long-term work experience placements in addition to other opportunities like ice skating, access to their nature reserve, and sustainability-related educational activities.
Hayley explained the importance of the experience for children with impairments, as their future employment prospects may be unknown. Mia, who was a beneficiary of this program when she turned sixteen, worked in the natural reserve at the center every Friday.
She said “It’s quite scary what adulthood will look like”.
Wyle added:
“By working closely with Jack Tizard School, Westfield London has gained valuable insights that have directly shaped its initiatives, ensuring they are inclusive and meet the needs of customers with a wide range of needs or disabilities.
We aim to make the sensory room an ever-improving, inclusive environment for all”.
Wedgbury continues to engage in discussions with the shopping center about potential future changes, such the addition of a hoist, and plans to keep helping parents or carers who are trying to put pressure on their local government for more inclusive policies.
Wedgbury said:
“[Public spaces] will always be my passion because that’s where I started.
I really think all public spaces, if they can cater to some of our most complex members of society, then that’s amazing.
It’s lovely that I am still able to do things for Mia. Her legacy carries on”.
Booking requests for the room can be made at the guest services desk in Westfield, London, or via telephone on 020 3371 2403.
What are the features of the sensory room?
The sensory room’s soft furnishings, interactive visual projectors, tactile features, and calming lighting are all intended to promote relaxation and lessen tension in a secure and inviting environment.
The Jack Tizard School, which helps kids with serious learning disabilities, and sensory specialists collaborated to create the space.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s head of shopping center management, Katie Wyle, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all guests.
Their dedication to making sure that everyone can enjoy their time at Westfield London, regardless of sensory demands, is reflected in the sensory room.