Sensory Audit Walkthrough Checklist
Observation Tool
Sensory Audit Walkthrough
Identify physical and sensory environmental barriers in the classroom setting.
Elementary Focus
Target: Pre-K to Grade 5
Student Initials
Observer Name / Role
Date & Time
Classroom / Subject Area
Observation Duration
How to use: Walk through the empty classroom first, then observe during a live lesson. Rate each element based on potential distraction or distress for students with sensory processing differences.
1. Auditory Environment
N M H
Background Hums & Whirs
HVAC units, fish tanks, active projectors, hum of old lighting, plumbing pipes.
N M H
Sudden, Sharp Distractions
Loudspeakers, ringing school bells, heavy doors slamming, chairs scraping bare tiles.
N M H
Acoustic Echo & Reverb
High ceilings, uncarpeted floors, large blank walls reflecting voice chatter.
2. Visual Environment
N M H
Lighting Intensity & Flicker
Flickering or humming fluorescent lights, harsh glare, lack of dimming/natural light choices.
N M H
High Visual Clutter & Noise
Dangling ceiling projects, overlapping posters, busy patterns on focus walls.
N M H
Outside / Window Distractions
Direct view of active hallways, sports fields, parking lots without blinds or frosting.
Rating Key: N = No Barrier | M = Moderate Barrier | H = High Barrier
Page 1 of 2
Sensory Audit Walkthrough
Classroom Physical & Tactile Factors Checklist
Part 2 of 2
3. Tactile & Kinesthetic Environment
N M H
Rigid or Slippery Seating
Standard chairs with cold, hard plastic, lack of movement/wobble options, or poor back support.
N M H
Micro-climate & Temperature
Drafts near doors or windows, high stuffiness and heat radiating near old radiators or vents.
N M H
Unclear Workspace Boundaries
Shared large tables without defined tactile dividers; overlapping spaces causing bumping.
4. Spatial & Physical Placement
N M H
High-Traffic Proximity
Desk positioned too close to high-activity centers: doors, pencil sharpener, sink, or trash cans.
N M H
Lack of Decompression Spaces
No dedicated quiet corners, sensory calming tents, study carrels, or reading hubs in the room.
N M H
Inflexible Desk Configuration
Fixed heavy desks preventing quick adjustment or physical separation when focus is required.
Audit Summary & Key Insights
Identify the most prominent environmental sensory barriers that need to be addressed immediately.
Top 2 Identified Barriers:
Immediate/Low-Cost Accommodations Suggested:
Rating Key: N = No Barrier | M = Moderate Barrier | H = High Barrier
Page 2 of 2
School Accommodation Plan Template
Collaborative Template
Sensory Accommodation Plan
Translate audit observations into structured, environment-friendly accommodations.
Team Agreement
Classroom Support Tool
Student Name
Grade / Section
Plan Date
Key Collaborators (Parents & Staff)
Scheduled Review Date
This document details environmental modifications to reduce cognitive overload and support emotional safety in school. Both parents and school staff should collaboratively define roles and timelines for each selected accommodation.
1. Auditory Environment Modifications
| Adjustment Area | Implementation Details | Responsible Party |
|---|
| Audio Hazard Distancing | Seat student away from hallway doors, loudspeaker, or loud HVAC vents. | |
| | |
| Acoustic Buffers | Add tennis balls on desk/chair legs; place a rug in reading corner. | |
|
| Noise-Reduction Tools | Access to noise-canceling headphones during independent reading/tests. |
|
2. Visual Environment Modifications
| Adjustment Area | Implementation Details | Responsible Party |
|---|
| Flicker & Glare Shielding | Seat student away from direct window glare; apply safe fabric diffusers over lights. | |
| | |
| Reduced Visual Noise | Keep teaching/instructional walls minimal; use cubby storage to hide toys/supplies. | |
|
| Clear Focus Prompts | Use visual checklists on desk; outline boundaries with colored tape on desk edge. |
|
Ensure all environmental changes are reviewed regularly for effectiveness.
Page 1 of 2
Sensory Accommodation Plan
Tactile, Spatial, and Self-Regulation Protocols
Part 2 of 2
3. Seating & Tactile Modifications
| Adjustment Area | Implementation Details | Responsible Party |
|---|
| Active Seating Options | Wiggle cushion, desk band (bouncy band) for feet, or occasional access to a wobble chair. | |
| |
