Vancouver Writers Fest (VWF) is one of the largest and most prestigious annual literary festivals in North America. Through year-round programming, the organization connects people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue that ignites a passion for words and the world around us.
Heather is on the VWF accessibility committee, where they are trying to improve access and provide access-related feedback to the organization. For the first time, LET’S offered a low sensory space at the festival, albeit in a less-than-ideal location for such a space. We’ve provided feedback that the location needs to be more centralized and properly singaged. LET’S had many great conversations with festival volunteers about the need for low sensory spaces. The volunteers were very inquisitive, especially about our stim toys! Some of the volunteers were also teachers and that led to productive conversations about stim toys in schools. We were excited by the enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers and we’re in further talks with the festival to include funding for a better located and supported space for future festivals. We hope other festivals follow suit and incorporate low sensory spaces in their events.