Expanding access to sensory-supportive spaces for Chicago children

Family Focus Sensory 10

Maggie West and Michael Kmak

July 21, 2026

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In Chicago, nearly 7,000 infants and toddlers receive public supports designed to address developmental needs during the most critical years of brain development.

But for many families seeking help with developmental delays, autism, speech-language challenges and other neurodevelopmental needs, accessing Illinois’ Early Intervention system can take time. This makes community-based services, especially those in under-resourced neighborhoods, essential. 

While there are several community-based early learning and support programs on Chicago’s South Side, very few are equipped to serve young children with neurodevelopment needs. To help fill this gap, our public interest design arm, Open Hand Studio, partnered with two Family Focus early childhood centers in the Hyde Park and South Shore neighborhoods to develop dedicated neuroinclusive spaces that are easily accessible to families who need them.

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A “calming space” can mean different things depending on a child’s needs. Some children may need quieter, lower-stimulation environments, while others may benefit from movement, gross-motor activity or tactile engagement.
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Sensory-supportive environments can improve attention, self-regulation and engagement in learning by helping children manage sensory input and feel more comfortable navigating the world around them.

The project expands on our Sensory Spaces Playbook — first developed through work with Edison Park Elementary — into a Pre-K context, adapting inclusive design strategies for younger children with specific developmental, behavioral and sensory needs.

After the sensory spaces were complete, we returned to see how the children were using the spaces and to speak with the caretakers and family members who are grateful for these community resources. This collaboration is a true testament to the power of design to drive equity for all people, in all places.

Watch the video below to see the sensory spaces in action. 

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Family Focus has long served children and families across Chicago and Northern Illinois, offering programs that help families build community, strengthen social capital and pursue upward economic mobility. Through these sensory spaces, the organization is expanding access to much-needed supports on Chicago's South Side.

Our design process centered on building a shared language with Family Focus staff and families to make sure the resulting spaces responded to real needs, not assumptions. 

At the Hyde Park location, we transformed two spaces into dedicated sensory environments — a former library and calming room — where children can regulate, decompress and engage with age-appropriate sensory experiences.

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One of the sensory spaces at Family Focus-Hyde Park is filled with natural daylight, while the other features adjustable lighting to support children's varying regulation needs.
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Research shows that sensory-processing differences are common among children with autism and developmental delays, affecting as many as 5% to 25% of children.

Testimonials

  • This space caters to children who have diverse needs like my son. He has autism, and when he came here, I noticed that his hand-and-eye coordination is getting better at home. He’s dressing himself better because he’s starting to look at what he’s actually doing. The zipping, buttoning and tying happened in this room first, and now he’s dressing himself independently.

    Sharon Taylor Parent and Assistant Teacher at Family Focus-Hyde Park
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A systematic review of 28 studies published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that sensory interventions can improve school participation, particularly when designed to help children regulate sensory input and remain engaged in activities.

At South Shore, where classrooms are more open and shared, we created strategically designed pockets within the existing environment that use furniture, finishes, acoustic strategies and lighting controls to create moments of privacy, comfort and behavioral support.

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The sensory spaces incorporate a variety of tactile, visual and movement-based materials, including textured surfaces, soft furnishings, sensory toys and flexible seating, giving children multiple ways to self-regulate, explore and engage with their environment.
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Testimonials

  • These are the kinds of spaces you normally see in a children’s hospital, and the fact that they’re in these buildings is so unique — and they’re accessible all day. Normally, you’d have to get an appointment to see a developmental therapist, and you’d have to have the means to do that. But now, our families have that here.

    Maria Hassel Regional Vice President of Centers, Family Focus

The Open Hand Studio effect

We were able to deliver this project via Open Hand Studio, which gave us the design resources, process leadership and implementation support needed to move the project from vision to reality. Our team’s work included visioning with Family Focus leadership and staff, documenting existing conditions, developing spatial and programming concepts, preparing renderings and FF&E strategies, and supporting pathways to procurement and installation.

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Through Open Hand Studio, we also helped connect Family Focus with contractor and furniture partners to make implementation more feasible and cost-effective.
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Delivering a community-based model for neuroinclusive learning reflects the core mission of Open Hand Studio to use design to address essential human needs in partnership with mission-driven organizations. For Family Focus, it creates new spaces that strengthen its ability to support children and families in the communities it serves. 

From community centers to public schools, the project offers a replicable model for translating inclusive sensory design into accessible, scalable solutions.

The project is also advancing the Sensory Spaces Playbook itself. Through the Family Focus work, our team is adding new thinking around Pre-K environments, material and finish selection, color, acoustics, lighting, sensory mapping and fit-out strategies.  

These insights will help the playbook become a more adaptable tool for schools, community organizations and care providers seeking to create supportive environments at a small scale. 

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By prioritizing choice, the spaces support emotional regulation, sensory engagement, behavioral wellness and equitable access to early learning.
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Elements such as interactive art, bubble lamps, texture tiles, rocking and stepping features, acoustic treatments, intentional lighting and carefully selected furniture create environments that can be tailored to different sensory profiles and developmental needs.

The goal is not simply to create beautiful rooms, but to give children, teachers and families practical tools that make learning and care more inclusive. 

“The development the community, staff and parents see in the students who are struggling is not only heartwarming, but also deeply personal to me,” says Michael Kmak, CannonDesign’s lead designer on the project. “My brother has autism. To know that this community is benefiting in a way that allows people to thrive is hugely impactful. The next horizon for us is developing a tool that everybody can use to make sure these types of spaces are everywhere, for every community.”

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