Stone Lab adds sensory bags and quiet space for island-campus visitors

Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island has added sensory bags that guests can borrow free, along with rooms for group work and quiet breaks.

The bags contain adjustable noise-reduction headphones, tinted sunglasses, fidget devices and communication boards, according to an Ohio Sea Grant announcement published Sunday. They are available to any Stone Lab guest.

The collaboration and respite rooms are on the third floor of the Classroom Building. The collaboration room has movable furnishings and technology for group work. The respite room offers adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and sensory tools.

Ohio Sea Grant said an Ohio State University grant supported the room renovations. Friends of Stone Lab volunteers helped set up the spaces during their spring work weekend.

For questions about the sensory accommodations, contact Erin Monaco, Ohio Sea Grant business coordinator, at monaco.25@osu.edu. Visitors who need step-free access should ask about arrangements for the third-floor rooms.