Salem Center Mall Sensory Room
Black Friday Weekend Partnership
NDIS is partnering with Salem Center Mall to host a dedicated sensory room for Black Friday weekend. This will be the first time the mall has offered a calm, low-stimulation space during one of the busiest and most overwhelming shopping weekends of the year.
The goal is simple: create a place where individuals and families can pause, reset, and return to the mall feeling more regulated and grounded. This weekend also gives the community a chance to imagine what a more permanent sensory-focused feature inside the mall could look like in the future.
About the Space
The sensory room will be a low-light, low-noise environment with comfortable seating and a small assortment of calming tools. It is designed for short visits, usually ten to twenty minutes, and supports people who need a break from crowds, noise, and the pace of holiday shopping. All ages are welcome, including adults.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accessibility in real community environments. Large retail spaces are often overwhelming for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people. Offering a sensory room on one of the highest-stress shopping days helps remove a major barrier and shows what inclusive design can look like in practice.
It also opens the door to broader conversations about what an inclusive city can offer. A permanent sensory-friendly space inside the mall is not planned or promised, but events like this help the community see what is possible and what inclusive design could look like year-round.
Dates
Black Friday Weekend 2025
Friday through Sunday during regular mall hours.
Community Impact
By hosting this space, Salem Center Mall is taking an active step toward creating a more inclusive environment for families, teens, adults, and anyone who may struggle with overstimulation. NDIS will staff and manage the room while gathering visitor feedback to understand what supports are most needed in public spaces.
Learn More
If your business or organization is interested in adding sensory supports to your environment, NDIS provides consulting, training, and on-site assessments.
