Like an oasis in the desert, a refuge from the mania of New Year’s Eve is coming to Times Square. For the first time ever, a “Sensory Activation Vehicle” (SAV) — equipped with calming tools, noise-canceling headphones, and a sensory refuge van — will be stationed outside the iconic ball drop to provide neurodivergent guests a safe space to enjoy the “controlled chaos” of the annual celebration.
“[We’re] creating the best environment for somebody with sensory needs to experience Times Square’s New Year’s Eve, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and why shouldn’t someone who has sensory needs be able to experience it?” Regina Fojas, the Times Square Alliance chief of staff, told The Post.
The sensory refuge van and its associated SAV are designed specifically for individuals who have difficulty handling the overwhelming sensory input from the bustling New Year’s Eve crowd. This includes people with autism, PTSD, dementia, and other conditions that often make participating in large, loud events like the Times Square ball drop difficult or impossible. This initiative marks a major step toward inclusivity and is a long-awaited improvement for the neurodiverse community.
The SAV will be a 20-foot by 8-foot van, a cozy refuge amid the spectacle. Inside, the lighting will be dimmed, and the walls will be bubbled to muffle the cacophony of outside noise. The van will be furnished with soothing elements such as bean bags, activity panels, and a variety of sensory items designed to provide comfort and calm. Guests can also benefit from sensory bags stocked with fidget spinners, noise-canceling headphones, strobe reduction glasses, and verbal cue cards to enhance their experience.
For those in need, the sensory refuge van will be stationed within the Inclusive Viewing Area. This area has long offered ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair space and American Sign Language (ASL) translators, to ensure accessibility for everyone. A team of expert volunteers will be on hand to assist guests and identify those who may be struggling with the harsh sensory environment.
“We wanted to make sure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the excitement of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve, but in a way that’s considerate of their unique needs,” Fojas said. “We’ve already seen an overwhelming response from the neurodiverse community expressing their excitement for this addition.”
Guests will be allowed to access the SAV on a rotating basis, ensuring everyone who needs a break from the sensory overload can use the van. The team behind the initiative has been moved by the enthusiasm and gratitude expressed by families who have been asking for such a solution for years.
Fojas shared her initial hesitation, reflecting, “In the beginning, I felt like, ‘Aren’t you setting up your family member for failure to bring them to one of the most public, most loud, flashing lights type of event?’” But the feedback from families was clear: “‘No, they really want to do it, but we want to try to do it in a way where they can enjoy it.’”
This year, KultureCity, a non-profit dedicated to improving accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, generously donated the sensory refuge van to make this vision a reality. The collaboration with KultureCity reflects their shared goal of increasing accessibility and creating inclusive environments for people with sensory challenges.
If the sensory refuge van proves to be as successful as anticipated, Fojas and the Times Square Alliance are committed to bringing it back for future celebrations. The program will be funded through fundraising efforts, ensuring that the opportunity for neurodiverse individuals to participate in New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square can continue for years to come.
However, due to the limited space within the van, guests who are interested in utilizing the SAV are encouraged to contact the Times Square Alliance ahead of the festivities to reserve their spot and ensure they have access to this vital service.
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