October 13, 2025
Widespread and accessible sensory accommodations can help these individuals participate more fully and comfortably in the community. Now, individuals with sensory processing differences have a take-along tool that helps them navigate their community with confidence and ease. The Fraser Sensory Supports App offers a guide to sensory-friendly spaces in the community, through your Apple or Android phone. The app is available for free download in both iOS and Android formats on the Apple App and Google Play stores.
Whether visiting a new spot or returning to a favorite, the app empowers users to explore with confidence and enjoy the community like never before.
Gina Brady, Fraser Sensory Supports & Training Program Manager, says the app allows individuals to create personalized profiles of their sensory preferences, communication styles, and coping strategies that can be easily shared with sensory-friendly partners.
“The app also lists partners in the Fraser Sensory Program, so users can identify partners offering tools like sensory kits, quiet rooms, and calming spaces,” says Brady. Additional resources allow users to access accessibility guides, social narratives, and visual schedules to help reduce anxiety and maximize visits. “The app takes some of the burden off the user,” says Brady. “Historically, you’d have to go to each business’s website to find their accessibility information. The app creates a one-stop-shop where the public can find this information in one location without doing a bunch of individual searches.”
The Fraser Sensory Supports App highlights Minnesota sensory partners who have worked with Fraser’s Sensory Supports & Training program to make their environments more inclusive. Fraser offers sensory training, consultation, and certification to help businesses and events become more inclusive to more members of the community.
Fraser Sensory CertifiedTM Supports and Training is led by licensed occupational therapist, Gina Brady. Gina and her Fraser colleagues have studied sensory processing and how sensory dysfunction impacts daily life.
Brady says, “As healthcare professionals, we are uniquely qualified to understand and support individuals with sensory processing differences. Our experts can provide comprehensive strategies that support a variety of environments. Fraser has years of experience partnering with a variety of businesses across Minnesota.”
When you partner with Fraser, you open new doors to your community and expand your revenue with a new client base. It also highlights your commitment to community inclusivity and accessibility.
“All businesses have a path to inclusivity,” says Brady. “It’s about making small, intentional changes that allow more of our community to participate. We are skilled at creating an individualized plan that meets the need of every sized business.”
The app and certification are part of Fraser’s Sensory-Friendly Minnesota – 10,000 Ways to Belong movement. Sensory-Friendly Minnesota, led by Fraser, is a statewide initiative dedicated to creating 10,000 Ways to Belong. Organizations across Minnesota can join the movement by creating sensory-friendly spaces. Every step contributes to 10,000 Ways to Belong, making public areas more inclusive and welcoming for all. Together, we can ensure everyone has a place to thrive.
Key partners include arts, culture, and entertainment; events and festivals; public services and government agencies; retail; travel, hospitality, and transportation; health and wellness; nonprofits and community organizations; workplaces and corporate entities; education; and sports and recreation.
With easy, entry points to the movement — like purchasing sensory kits to have on hand at your location or offering a know-before-you-go guide — financial and logistical barriers to joining the movement have been eliminated.
“We want the community to be part of this movement,” says Brady. “Our goal is to help both sides — business and those with sensory processing differences — have the tools they need to thrive.”
For more information on the Fraser Sensory App, Sensory Friendly Minnesota – 10,000 Ways to Belong movement, the Fraser Sensory Lending Library, and Fraser sensory kits, visit www.fraser.org.
Fraser is a nationally recognized expert in treating autism, mental/behavioral health issues, and in overall wellness programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have co-occurring autism or mental health issues. The nonprofit provides quality healthcare, housing, education, employment and support services across the lifespan. Learn more at fraser.org.