Today we’d like to introduce you to James Erby.
Hi James, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sensory Space was inspired by our oldest daughter, who is autistic and non-speaking. For years, family outings were a struggle because there was nowhere for her to go when sensory environments became overwhelming. We realized how isolating it is to have to leave events early—or avoid them altogether—simply because the world isn’t built to accommodate your child’s needs.
We decided to create the change we wanted to see. We custom-built a mobile sensory room inside a cargo trailer, packing it with everything a child might need to regulate. It features calming music, projections, fiber optic lights, mirrors, digital and tactile panels, and cozy corners. We even managed to fit a vibroacoustic ball pit in there!
We’ve been open for just under a year, and the love we’ve received is incredible. Families really appreciate having a spot to take a break. It changes everything—instead of having to pack up and go home when things get tough, they can just reset and get back to enjoying the event.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In short, no—the road has definitely had its bumps. Since it’s just my wife and me, we wear a lot of hats. Our biggest challenge though is public awareness, not just of our brand, but of what a sensory space even is. Special needs families ‘get it’ instantly, but we often have to teach event organizers what a mobile sensory room is and why it matters.
We strive to demonstrate that what we’ve created is not merely a desirable “nice-to-have” or a simple “fun zone” add-on, but rather a crucial step in providing inclusive accommodations for a community that is often overlooked. It is a constant exercise in advocacy, but seeing the relief on families’ faces proves that it’s a fight worth winning.
We’ve been impressed with Sensory Space, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sensory Space is super personal to us. We’re a family-run, mom-and-pop business that started because we wanted to make our community more inclusive for people like our non-speaking, autistic daughter.
Our main service is bringing our custom-built, mobile sensory room right to you—whether it’s for a big festival, a school function, a therapy center, a church event, or a birthday party.
We also did pretty much everything ourselves! We designed the logo, the website, the wrap on the trailer, the room itself, and more. We’re proud of that, but we’re most proud that we’re a family supporting other families just like ours.
You can help our mission, even if you don’t have a special needs loved one by just spreading the word that we exist. Tell your church about us, tell your schools, and tell the people behind the events you like attending in your community.
We also plan on starting a ‘Sensory Supporter’ fund in early 2026. That fund will help us show up for non-profit events that really need us but can’t quite afford it.
Our ultimate goal is to help create a more inclusive world where every family feels excited to participate in community festivities, confident that accommodations will be available to meet their child’s needs.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We really love the Our First Rodeo podcast, which is hosted by 2 moms of autistic children. Their real life conversations help us feel like we aren’t alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sensoryspace.fun
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sensoryspacefun
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sensoryspacefun
