What Is Sensory-Friendly Minnesota — and Why It Matters

Everyone wants to feel like they belong, but for many people with sensory-processing differences, the world isn’t built with their needs in mind. Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells and crowded spaces can turn everyday experiences — like getting a haircut, visiting a museum or attending a game — into overwhelming challenges.

Understanding sensory processing differences

Sensory processing differences affect how a person experiences the world. Numerous studies show that as many as 1 in 3 individuals experience heightened sensitivity to their environment, including many with autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma or other mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. But sensory challenges also exist without a formal diagnosis.

In overstimulating environments, people with sensory differences struggle to stay regulated or engaged. Creating calmer, more predictable spaces helps individuals participate more confidently and comfortably in daily life.

Why the movement was created

Fraser launched Sensory-Friendly Minnesota: 10,000 Ways to Belong™, a statewide movement, to make our communities more inclusive for those with sensory needs. Inspired by Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, the initiative aims to create 10,000 ways to belong by distributing sensory kits, providing training and certifying businesses and organizations across the state.

Sensory-Friendly Minnesota helps create accessible environments where people with sensory-processing differences feel supported and included. It also promotes a broader culture of belonging — one that centers equity and participation for all.

The movement is part of the Fraser Sensory Certified™ Supports and Training program, which Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Program Manager Gina Brady started in 2019. In her work as an occupational therapist, Gina often supported children and adults trying to manage sensory-processing differences. She realized that changing the larger community would create a much more supportive and inclusive environment for these individuals, and she set out to do so with the Fraser Sensory Certified™ Supports and Training program.

The program and now the Sensory-Friendly Minnesota initiative embody Fraser’s mission to build a community of inclusion that allows all people to belong and thrive.

The impact of sensory support is profound

Shortly after the program started, Fraser Sr. Speech-Language Pathologist and Rehabilitation Therapy Supervisor Casey Montney began working as a Fraser Sensory Support Volunteer. She attended events and activities and provided hands-on support to people with sensory differences. So, Casey has seen the program grow, and inclusive events become more commonplace throughout the community. As these accommodations have become normalized, she’s noticed that fewer kids and individuals need supports at events.

“I feel like when I go to places like Children’s Theatre Company now; I very rarely have to support kids,” says Casey. “This is a testament to the environments they’re creating and the support of organizations like Fraser. The fact that it has become so normal and consistent is amazing.”

The Minnesota State Fair has also seen how sensory-friendly supports can make a profound difference. In 2021 — in partnership with Central Roofing Company — Fraser opened the Fraser Sensory Building, which offers a calming space and tools that help people with sensory differences navigate the fair with greater ease and confidence. In 2024, the Fraser Sensory Building welcomed more than 12,000 visitors over 12 days.

“I come visit [the Fraser Sensory Building] every year,” said a 2024 fairgoer. “I was diagnosed with autism in kindergarten and came to Fraser for services for many years. I’m 28 now and just got my driver’s license and am making plans to live independently.”

What Fraser offers

Becoming sensory-friendly begins with listening, learning and adapting. Through Sensory-Friendly Minnesota, Fraser’s licensed occupational therapists work alongside organizations to develop customized strategies, based on each location’s needs and goals. Whether a business is adjusting lighting and sound levels or pursuing full Fraser Sensory Certified™ status, the process is collaborative and flexible.

Support may include:

• Staff training and inclusive communication strategies
• Environmental consultation and sensory space design
• Accessibility planning and toolkits

Businesses can also join the movement by purchasing Fraser Sensory Kits. These contain fidgets, sunglasses and noise-reducing headphones to help individuals regulate and engage more meaningfully in their surroundings.

To further improve access, Fraser plans to launch the Fraser Sensory Supports App, connecting users to certified locations, calming resources and customized sensory profiles in Summer 2025. The app will increase the movement's ongoing digital accessibility efforts.

Businesses and organizations that become certified partners are featured on fraser.org and in the app and receive a Sensory-Friendly Minnesota: 10,000 Ways to Belong seal to display. This helps individuals and families quickly identify welcoming environments and encourages more businesses to follow suit.

Why it matters

This work goes beyond compliance or “checking the box” for inclusion. Sensory-friendly practices foster trust, demonstrate care and remove barriers that keep people from fully participating in everyday life.

Sensory-friendly environments benefit everyone, not just guests, but employees too. A calmer, more predictable work setting can reduce stress, support mental well-being and create a stronger team culture. Inclusive environments are more welcoming and reflective of our communities.

“Belonging isn’t created by one person or one program — it takes all of us. Sensory-Friendly Minnesota is about communities coming together to say, there’s space for you here,” says Gina Brady, Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Program Manager.

Join the movement

Sensory-Friendly Minnesota is growing every day. Businesses, cities and communities are finding new ways to support individuals with sensory needs, whether through calming spaces, trained staff or thoughtful environmental changes.

This effort isn’t just about adapting physical spaces. It’s about changing expectations, expanding access and making it clear that everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome and included. By becoming a part of the movement, you’re saying to people with autism, disabilities and PTSD that you support them and want them to be active parts of your community.

Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader or simply someone who cares, there’s a place for you in this movement. Visit fraser.org/sensorymn to learn how you can get involved.