A free sensory room commemorating a student with cerebral palsy has opened at Westfield London as a measure of greater inclusivity and accessibility for all consumers.
The room was designed to providing a tranquil space for individuals with sensory processing disorders and cognitive conditions including, but not limited to, ADHD and autism.
It commemorates Mia Wedgbury, who was a pupil of Jack Tizard School and community champion for playground inclusivity in Shepherd’s Bush.
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”.
Jack Tizard School and Queensmill School, which are both specialist schools catered to children with severe learning difficulties, were consulted over Westfield’s sensory room which features soothing lighting, interactive visual projectors, tactile elements and soft furnishings to help alleviate signs of stress.
Mia was 17 years old when she died, and was known in the Hammersmith and Fulham community for her and her mother’s involvement in implementing inclusive playground equipment in Wormholt Park.
Mia’s mother Hayley Wedgbury said that in spite of the challenges her daughter faced throughout her life, she was prone to laughing and had a cheeky sense of humour.
Mia inspired Hayley to implement inclusive playground equipment in Wormholt Park in 2016 to normalise integration of children with disabilities in public spaces.
Working with Parents Active, she raised £7,000 for a wheel-chair accessible swing, and the funding was matched by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, who contributed to the installation of a wheelchair accessible roundabout and trampoline.
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 added that the stares the family received from other children was due to a lack of exposure to children like Mia, necessitating a normalisation of inclusive public spaces.
Conversations concerning the sensory room began around six to seven years ago via quarterly meetings held at Westfield, fostering a discourse between the centre and customers or carers affected by disabilities.
Within these discussions, Wedgbury highlighted that for herself and other carers of young people with disabilities, the shopping centre became a community hub throughout school holidays, after school hours or weekends.
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.”
Wedgbury served as an initial bridge of contact between Westfield and the Jack Tizard school, introducing the school’s sensory room as a source of inspiration for the shopping centre’s project.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s head of shopping centre management Katie Wyle said that alongside the schools, the centre consulted with an occupational therapist and conducted benchmark visits such as at Gatwick Airport to inform themselves on the best practises in sensory-friendly environments.
Wyle said: “This helped up understand how to effectively accommodate a wide range of sensory needs across different age groups”.
Alongside the new room, the shopping centre offers sensory packs for hire in support of children and adults with sensory requirements.
These include sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, sensory massage balls, a fidget toy which mimics bubble wrap, ear defenders and feeling fans, which are a communication aid displaying emotions for non-verbal individuals.
The sensory room in provides carers like Wedgbury a greater sense of ease.
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’.”
The shopping centre has maintained an official relationship with the Jack Tizard School since 2020, and offered its pupils long-term work experience placements alongside other opportunities such as ice skating sessions, participation in their nature reserve and educational activities covering sustainability.
Mia was a beneficiary of this scheme when she turned 16, working in the nature reserve at the centre every Friday, and Hayley stated the significance of the experience for children affected by disabilities, as their future regarding work opportunities may be uncertain.
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 is involved in ongoing conversations with the shopping centre regarding future developments, such as the incorporation of a hoist, and intends to continue in her support of parents or carers attempting to apply pressure on their local authorities for more inclusive measures.
Wedgbury maintains a positive relationship with Jack Tizard School as well, and received an award in honour of her daughter Mia from the Jack Petchey Foundation.
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.
Feature image credit: Billie White
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