Meet Tiana Haygood, who turned her dream of a safe, inclusive space for children in the Ann Arbor area into a reality.
In the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Haygood brought this vision to life by creating the Feed the Need Sensory Zone. Read on to discover more about her journey, the important ways Feed the Need Sensory Zone benefits the local community and how your family might enjoy these sensory friendly experiences.
The beginnings of Feed the Need Sensory Zone
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Haygood noticed the need not only for community spaces where children could connect, but also for those spaces to be sensory-friendly.
As the mom of a child on the Autism Spectrum, Haygood decided to take action along with a group of educators, parents and advocates.
Initially, this dedicated group founded an activity center called Feed the Need Autism and Special Needs Activity Center in 2021. However, they felt that their mission wasn’t quite complete.
According to Haygood, “we soon realized that the issue in our community wasn’t necessarily the lack of these spaces [that families could visit to connect] — it was more so the ability to access sensory-friendly tools, toys and environments out in our community. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy community events as a family. In 2024, the addition of our Sensory Zone Trailer truly transformed our outreach. It was clear then: Feed the Need wasn’t just a club or passion project — it was becoming a trusted, vital resource for families, schools, and communities across Southeast Michigan.”
What does Feed the Need cffer to the community?
Today, Feed the Need Sensory Zone offers multiple spaces in which children can enjoy inclusive spaces where their sensory needs are met. First is a semi-permanent indoor space called the Sensory Den. The Sensory Den transforms spaces such as classrooms, event halls and places of worship into areas where families can reset and recharge as needed. Created in collaboration with community partner Audapt – Autism Adapting, these spaces can be customized based on the needs of the facility and/or event.
Feed the Need also offers a fully equipped mobile retreat called the Sensory Trailer. This trailer is Michigan’s first mobile sensory zone, and includes a quiet space, tactile panels and sensory tools. Haygood described the Sensory Trailer as “a traveling oasis designed to show up where families and students need it most. Outfitted with soft lighting, tactile tools, calming textures and cozy corners, the trailer offers instant relief and support during overstimulating events. It’s often accompanied by our pop-up sensory tent that enables one to enjoy some of our gross motor toys and tools, like our spinning chairs that are both adult- and kid-friendly, enabling a sensory -gratifying experience for all.”
RELATED: Garrett’s Space Breaks Ground on New Campus to Support Young Adults Facing Mental Health Challenges
Both spaces are carefully and purposefully designed based on research, feedback and the lived experiences of the designers and founders, meaning that the spaces are both research-supported and personal. By using a variety of tools and techniques, Feed the Need seeks to ensure that all needs are met no matter the sensory profile.
Exploring Feed the Need Sensory Zone
Interested in exploring Feed the Need Sensory Zone? Wondering what to expect? Haygood describes the experience of enjoying Feed the Need as an inclusive, calming experience focused on comfort, connection, and care.
She states, “you’ll find thoughtfully curated tools and activities that support regulation, expression, and joy. We meet individuals where they are, creating calm and connection through sensory play, movement, and meaningful interaction. Visitors often tell us it’s a breath of fresh air — especially for those who are used to navigating spaces not built with sensory needs in mind.” Feed the Need’s focus on belonging makes every event that they join a more accessible and welcoming experience.
A mission worth spreading
Feed the Need Sensory Zone offers a powerful mission: to Connect. Engage. Empower. They want the local community to know that their work goes beyond the accumulation of sensory toys — they seek to provide belonging.
Haygood speaks with passion about the mission, stating, “Behind every tool we offer and every event we attend, there’s a story — a child who finally felt calm, a parent who felt seen or a teen who found a safe space to be themselves. We’re not just building sensory-friendly spaces. We’re building hope, dignity and connection…Feed the Need is here to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can show up fully and authentically in the spaces they live, learn, and play. Inclusion is not just a concept — it’s a commitment.”
Support Feed the Need Sensory Zone
There are many ways in which the community can support the mission of Feed the Need Sensory Zone. Interested supporters can donate through the website to help fund resources and materials for the Sensory Den and Trailer. Local businesses can partner for events or sponsor a sensory experience for a school or other community event. In addition, they welcome volunteers!
Feed the Need Sensory Zone describes themselves as a collaborative organization, and welcome you to follow their journey or reach out to join or support! They also encourage the community to stay tuned, as new programs and concepts are being launched throughout the summer. For more information, visit their website or email info@feedtheneedsensoryzone.org.
Author: Dr. Alyssa Whitford is a former K-12 teacher and current professor of education at Hope College in Holland, MI. She is passionate about literacy, social studies, and all things education. She is also a proud parent to two children of her own.
