UVA Wise Library Announces $10,000 Grant to Expand Accessibility for Neurodivergent Students
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) Library has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative. This funding will support the UVA Wise Library’s project, (Hyper) Focus & Flow, an effort to support neurodivergent students, regardless of their sensory needs.
The project will introduce three key components within the library: a multisensory space, a sensory recovery area and sensory bags available for in-library use.
“The College library serves many purposes for our students and community. Our goal is to provide accessible, comfortable spaces for them all. This project enables us to collaborate directly with neurodiverse students to provide sensory friendly spaces and supports,” says Cirrus Gundlach, project lead and user experience & facilities services supervisor liaison librarian.
The multisensory space is planned for the Library’s fourth floor. Visitors will find active seating choices for studying, colorful lights and vibrant décor, while a white noise generator quietly soothes in the background. Portable desks ensure active students can still study.
On the second floor, the sensory recovery area consists of dim, individual seating with darker, solid colors. Visual dividers provide privacy, and dimmable lighting targets each seating area. A large divider absorbs and reduces sound from the nearby classrooms. Those who prefer quiet, focused individual study will find this area soothing.
The project is grounded in community input and allows students to share their experiences and help shape the final design of the spaces and resources.
The library plans to open these new sensory-focused areas in January 2027.