Once Upon a Story Bookshop partners with KultureCity to become sensory inclusive location

BRISTOL — Once Upon A Story Bookshop reveals a new partnership with KultureCity to bring the Sensory Inclusive certification to its brick-and-mortar location.

This initiative ensures that all book lovers, readers, and community members with sensory sensitivities or invisible disabilities feel fully supported, comfortable, and welcome while exploring the store's shelves and attending literary events. The certification process involved comprehensive, specialized training for the entire staff designed and led by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. This training equips bookstore employees with the necessary skills to recognize customers experiencing sensory overload and to respond with appropriate, compassionate assistance.

To enhance the shopping and reading experience, Once Upon a Story Bookshop will now provide dedicated resources at the checkout counter for all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment, including KultureCity Sensory Bags. These bags are available for guests to borrow free of charge during their visit and contain noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), tactile fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. The bookstore has also designated specific low-stimulation areas within its reading corners to serve as quiet spaces for individuals needing a sensory break. Through this certification, Once Upon a Story Bookshop joins a global network of dedicated spaces working actively toward sensory acceptance and accessibility. 

For more information, visit onceuponastorybookshop.com.