Occupational therapist advocates for sensory friendly vaccination clinics in N.B.
An occupational therapist in Saint John, N.B. is advocating for COVID-19 vaccination clinics to be more sensory friendly.
Christel Seeberger has been working in health care for the last 25 years. As the founder of Sensory Friendly Solutions, she is working to help organizations and businesses in the province find ways to support people with sensory issues.
Seeberger says people who are susceptible to experiencing sensory overload may face additional challenges during the pandemic, including getting vaccinated.
“Getting vaccines is something that can be anxiety-provoking for many people. There’s a little bit of the unexpected and anxiety with the unknown,” she said.
Seeberger says the lack of accommodations at COVID-19 vaccine clinics in New Brunswick could be a barrier for those with autism, PTSD, and other sensitivities.
“The sensory experience is heightened going to get vaccines and becoming sensory-friendly really helps decrease that sensory overload and experience," said Seeberger.
These barriers are all too familiar to Trish Hamilton from Saint John whose 8-year-old son, Emerson, has autism and a sensory processing disorder.
“I'm no expert on sensory processing disorder or autism but I'm definitely an expert on my son. For him, it's about preparation. And I really think the majority of the heavy lifting is going to be left to the parent," said Hamilton.
Hamilton said the more parents can prepare their children for new experiences, the more comfortable they may feel.
“I would say the next most important thing from preparing children, is patience,” she said.
Once her son is eligible to get vaccinated, Hamilton would like to see a location in New Brunswick that can provide a comfortable environment for Emerson.
"Having a space where the parents are sort of working collaboratively with the clinic, would be the best-case scenario,” she said. “Anything that would touch your senses will touch their senses but by ten-fold.”
According to Seeberger, some things that can help accommodate those with sensory sensitivities include reducing large crowds, dimming harsh lighting, and limiting the level of noise.
At this time, Seeberger says there are no sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the province. However, she’s hoping with more awareness, that will change soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.