CHAPTER SEVEN

Do you see that up ahead on the left? Glistening and reflective. It’s a piece of art called Mountain. It is an immersive and multi-sensory sculpture that invites people inside to participate, rather than merely observe. The reflective quality of the surfaces is disorientating but places us directly within the sculpture. Shall we find ourselves a place within the sculpture to contemplate a while? Go on.. walk inside.

How do you feel here? What do you notice? Are you drawn to the reflections, the sounds, the feel of the slate under your shoes? We all to some extent have different sensory profiles. We know if we prefer a quiet space, low-lit room, some fresh air, or gentle music to accompany, the tapping of our keyboards. But Imagine if your quiet space became loud, the strip lights bright and buzzing, the space stuffy and the music raging to a noisy beat. Imagine how you might feel. Could you still concentrate? Imagine what you could achieve. Or perhaps could not…. For some students, the sensory environment may have impact on their ability to fully engage in student life. This impact can be so negative, it can cause distress, anxiety and detrimental effects on a student’s academic potential. And, for many students, opting for their preferred way of learning has not been possible. At least that is, until the last couple of years.

Various meetings, including the neurodiversity reference group were held and this led to increasing awareness of the barriers to participation and progress experienced by neurodivergent learners. Sensory kits have been made available in classrooms and the Nick Walker Sensory Space was launched on DeHavilland Campus.

Much is still to be done but we are proud of this progress and proud of the students for championing diverse experiences. Now if you will join me in contemplating all that we have learnt. Sensory regulation is good for all learners you see.

Ok, We have only scratched the surface and there are many more stories to be collected but I think it is time for me to leave you. Find a place to stand and look at your reflection. What is your own story that might one day be added to the collection. Has it already happened or is it yet to be? I wish you luck in your new adventures, may you create and inspire the next generation to be the best versions of themselves.

Remember, It all starts with a little seed.

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Thank you for walking with us today. We hope you enjoyed the experience. If you need to return any equipment to us you can head back over to where you started the walk. You can now exit the navigation screen by pressing the 3 lines in the top left of the screen and pressing stop walk where you can provide feedback through our short survey.

This walk was created by ThickSkin Theatre Company, and commissioned by UH Arts + Culture, as part of the University's Festival of Ideas.