At our January 2026 IDD Connect Oregon meeting, one of two featured presenters was Alex Lombardi, Education Manager, and Stefani Roybal, Community Education Director, with the Eugene Science Center. Their presentation highlighted the thoughtful, inclusive work behind the Science Center’s Sensory Sensitive Evenings—special events designed to create a welcoming, accessible environment for neurodivergent children and adults.
Creating Space for Sensory-Inclusive Experiences
Sensory Sensitive Evenings at the Eugene Science Center are intentionally designed for individuals and families who prefer a quiet, less sensory-stimulating environment. These after-hours events allow guests to explore the Science Center at a slower pace, with adjustments that reduce overwhelming sensory input while still offering engaging, hands-on learning opportunities.
Alex and Stefani shared how these evenings are grounded in listening to community needs and continuously adapting the experience to be as inclusive and supportive as possible.
What Makes Sensory Sensitive Evenings Special
During these events, the Eugene Science Center offers:
- Adjusted exhibit halls for a less stimulating experience
- Calming sensory activities throughout the space
- Sensory tools available for guests to use as needed
- Peaceful planetarium screenings with reduced sensory intensity
These intentional accommodations help ensure that neurodiverse individuals and their families can enjoy the Science Center in a way that feels safe, respectful, and accessible.
Growing Through Community Engagement
Currently, Sensory Sensitive Evenings are offered once per quarter, with a strong hope to expand to more frequent offerings as community engagement and partnerships grow. Alex and Stefani emphasized how vital community collaboration is to sustaining and expanding these inclusive events.
By sharing feedback, attending events, and spreading the word, community partners and families play a direct role in helping the Eugene Science Center continue to grow this programming.
Upcoming Sensory Sensitive Evening
The next Sensory Sensitive Evening will take place:
Wednesday, February 11
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Eugene Science Center
2300 Leo Harris Parkway, Eugene
This is a free event, and pre-registration is encouraged.
👉 Learn more, view additional upcoming dates, and register at:
https://eugenesciencecenter.org/sensoryhours/
Thank You, Eugene Science Center
We are thankful to Alex Lombardi and Stefani Roybal for sharing the intention, care, and collaboration behind Sensory Sensitive Evenings. Their work aligns deeply with the IDD Connect Oregon mission to promote education, connection, and shared growth while improving access to inclusive community spaces.
We look forward to continued collaboration with the Eugene Science Center and to helping increase community awareness and participation in these meaningful sensory-inclusive events.
If you are a community partner interested in supporting or collaborating on sensory-friendly programming, we encourage you to connect and get involved—together, we can continue creating spaces where everyone belongs.
