Sensory Tool House
Discovering Sensory Serenity: Exploring Thurston County With The Sensory Tool House
Traveling with neurodivergent family members can present unique challenges, from navigating unfamiliar environments to managing sensory overload, the journey can be daunting.
Amidst these obstacles exists a community-focused space designed to support neurodiverse individuals and their families. The Sensory Tool House in Lacey is a retail shop offering sensory-supportive equipment and tools you can try before you buy. It is an amazing resource for where to find additional services and accommodations to make your experiences in Thurston County more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s more than just a store—it’s a community hub where sensory support and inclusion flourish in every corner
Neurodivergent individuals may face a variety of challenges while traveling, including sensory overload when in unfamiliar environments which can lead to heightened anxiety or discomfort, sensory sensitivities caused by bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells, and the general limited accessibility of accommodations and tourist attractions that can cause significant barriers for neurodivergent individuals and families. The good news is Thurston County is becoming a welcoming space for all visitors with the help and guidance of the Sensory Tool House.
Sensory Tool House - A Safe and Welcoming Space
Founder Katie McMurray and Director of Operations Lauren Howard are themselves neurodivergent and are raising neurodivergent children. Recognizing that not everyone had access to support services and therapy they’d experienced with their children, and recalling the barriers they themselves experienced when it came to finding sensory tools and accessible experiences, they decided to open a retail shop to make it easier for their community to try out and experience the tools before they committed to a purchase.
“It’s not easy buying sensory tools online,” Katie admits, “some tools feel differently or smell differently from one person to the next. It’s so much better if you can get your hands on these products, feel the material, and experience the way they smell, so I called Lauren up to ask if she’d be interested in opening a shop.”
Together, Katie and Lauren set out to create not only a supportive space where their community could come in and try sensory products out first-hand, but a place where families could come and be themselves in a sorry-free-zone.
“No one who comes here should ever apologize for regulatory behavior,” shares Katie. “This is a space where you can be yourself, no masking, and feel safe.” Sensory Tool House is the perfect place for people to regulate and soothe themselves in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Sensory Products
The Sensory Tool House is a treasure trove of sensory tools for all ages and types of people experiencing neurodiversity. From sensory and adaptive clothing and sensory hideouts to sensory swings. Here are just a few of the collections the Tool House offers:
- Balance and Spin products
- Compression and Deep Pressure
- Ear Protection and Sound Machines
- Childrens Books
- Fidget Fun
- Fine Motor
- Lights
- Oral Motor Chews
The Sensory Room
A sensory room provides an inclusive and calming environment designed to engage and soothe the senses. The sensory room at Sensory Tool House is open daily for anyone needing a space to regulate, soothe, reduce stress, and calm anxiety.
Full-Sized Changing Table
Sensory Tool House features an adult-size changing table for people of all ages and abilities to access a safe, dignified, and hygienic toileting experience. They also have a gender-neutral bathroom.
The Sensory Tool House, Your Haven for Neurodivergent Support
When Kate and Lauren opened the store, they quickly discovered that there were a lot of gaps and missed opportunities in Thurston County for other businesses and organizations to learn how easily they could become more accessible. They reached out to community leaders and nonprofits in the region and are now working with businesses to help them make their spaces more welcoming and inclusive.
“It doesn’t take a lot of money, or materials, or more people to help businesses be more accessible,” Lauren says, “You just have to care about wanting an experience where everyone can feel comfortable. You have to want to be more inclusive.” She goes on to share that sometimes that might mean being okay with feeling uncomfortable yourself and doing something a little bit differently than the way you’ve done it before.
If you’ve never been to a sensory store before and you’re not sure where to start, Katie and Lauren encourage you to just come. It’s okay if you’re nervous, it’s okay if you have a lot of questions. The staff, most of whom are neurodivergent, are great at putting first-time visitors at ease. They encourage you to call ahead and let someone know if you feel there might be some regulatory behaviors that you’re nervous about. They’re happy to talk you through that.
If you’re not quite ready or are unable to stop by the store but are looking for accessible businesses and experiences, the Sensory Tool House Resources page is an indispensable tool. Visiting the website is a great way to familiarize yourself with what you can expect when you do come to visit.
Sensory Tool House
5831 Lacey Blvd SE Ste. J, Lacey, WA 98503
360-915-9457
Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
