About Us

Welcome to Sensory Access!

Our goal is to make all the events most people take for granted more accessible to those with sensory processing difficulties. Many autistic individuals, and those with Down Syndrome, Fragile X and other Sensory Processing Difficulties, process sensory information differently than others. Sounds, lights, textures or experiences can elicit extreme discomfort, anxiety, and even pain. For individuals that have impaired vision or hearing, we provide specific supports to allow them to access an event or venue safely. From travel destinations, global events such as the World's Fair and the Olympics, to local museums, theaters and entertainment venues, Sensory Access aims to create inclusion for those that have hidden disabilities. From sensory friendly productions, and tools for those with sensory impairments such as vision and hearing, Sensory Access can help you become the inclusive event or venue you would like to be.

100%
Neurodiverse staff

Members of our Sensory Access Team:

a photo of Dr Daniela Ferdico smiling with long black wavy hair

Daniela Ferdico, PsyD
Co-Founder
Dr Ferdico is a hyperacustic, neurodivergent Neuropsychologist who specializes in how the brain processes sensory information

Izzi Ferdico, sittin at the base of a large tree, with long blonde hair and smiling

Izzi Ferdico Faget
Co-Founder
Izzi is a neurodivergent student excited to head to USC's Interactive Entertainment Program to study immersive media, game design & accessibility

A photo of Mateo Ferdico in a canyon

Mateo Ferdico Faget
Speaker
Mateo is an autistic speaker who frequently speaks about his experience navigating the world through the lens of Autism

Yvette Blauvelt sits next to a window, she is wearing a blue dress and has red hair

Yvette Blauvelt
Travel Division
Yvette is an autistic traveler from South Africa, currently living in the US. She heads up our travel division.

Paige Olson
Theatre/Concert Division
Paige is hyperacoustic and has ADHD, and supports/audits many of our live events

photo of Steve Andrews, autistic speaker

Steve Andrews
Theatre & Travel Division
Steve is an autistic speaker and writer who audits a lot of our theatrical events

Autistic Actor Troy Sayer smiling on a city street, sporting a goatee

Troy Sawyer
Theatre Division/Portland
Troy is an autistic actor who heads up our Portland Division

Consultants:

A photo of Steven Mifsud, MBE

Steven Mifsud, MBE
Consultant | Founder of Direct Access
Steven is Profoundly Deaf & works with us frequently. He founded his firm, Direct Access, 18 years ago and works globally.

A photo of Dave Bahr smiling, wearing a blac suit against a white background

Dave Bahr
Consultant | Author
Dave is a blind author, speaker, and comedian focused on demystifying the public's perception of how to interact with people with disabilities.

We attended today and it was AMAZING! This went beyond bring just inclusive--it was actually a celebration with the special needs community from the fidgets to the sensory break areas to the special usher. And the performance was absolutely phenomenal. I was moved to tears several times. THANK YOU!
Guest at Sensory Friendly Lion King performance
Guest at Sensory Friendly Lion King performance
For the first time ever in World Expo history and in the Arab region, an exposition has been certified as a sensory accessible event. This inclusion accreditation was granted to Expo 2020 Dubai during an event planned around World Autism Awareness Day at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion on April 1, 2021. Expo has met the high standards of the International Board of Sensory Accessibility (IBSA) through its numerous initiatives to make the event as accessible to autistic and sensory sensitive individuals as possible.
Gulf News
Gulf News
I checked out a pair of headphones as I forgot my own lousy pair at home thinking they wouldn't make a difference as they usually don't. These headphones were my saving grace throughout the festival. As I felt myself starting to get more and more overwhelmed and beginning to rock I'd slip on the headphones and let the world fade. With the headphones, not only was I able to avoid panic attacks, I found myself actually enjoying concerts and jumping around to the beat and having fun, which usually isn't the case for me in settings with large crowds and loud noises.
Matthew Halloran
Matthew HalloranLollapalooza guest
yes @sensoryaccess doing so much amazing work for greater accessibility in the arts!
Amber Lee
Amber Lee@amberleejoers
Unbelievable. You created a community event like NO OTHER I've ever been to. You have no idea how powerful today was for our families. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Guest at Sensory Friendly Disney's Frozen Broadway show
Guest at Sensory Friendly Disney's Frozen Broadway show
This is fantastic. Great for autistic people and @Disney fans of all ages. #Autistic #autism #actuallyautistic
Michael Jones
Michael Jones@michaelJWJones
"So it was pretty much one of the happiest moments of my motherhood."
Guest at Disney's Sensory Friendly Lion King
Guest at Disney's Sensory Friendly Lion King
Every morning during the festival we started out by going straight to the sensory booth and playing with the fidget tools or the slime so I could get used to the people and the noise. Having that really made the festival something I could handle and enjoy rather than something I had to endure.
Matthew Halloran
Matthew HalloranLollapalooza guest
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