*There now is a learning pattern https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Learning_patterns/Avoiding_sensory_overload_at_Wikimedia-events. with suggestions on how to prevent sensory overload at Wikimedia events.*

Last year, there was a short discussion https://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimedia-l/2018-August/090919.htmlon wikimedia-l concerning sensory overload. Sensory overload occurs when somebody experiences over-stimulation from the environment: loud noise, several people talking at once, crowded or cluttered spaces, flashing lights.....

People who are susceptible to sensory overload can experience upsetting symptoms such as "shutting down" or getting overexcited, difficulty focusing and concentrating, irritability, sleeplessness and fatigue.

Over the past year, Wikimedia Nederland has been gathering suggestions https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Nederland/Organising_events:_avoiding_sensory_overload on how to make Wikimedia events comfortable places to be for people who are susceptible to sensory overload.

The results can be found in a learning pattern https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Learning_patterns/Avoiding_sensory_overload_at_Wikimedia-events. on Meta. We hope this is useful for everyone organising events.

Sandra Rientjes Directeur/Executive Director Wikimedia Nederland

tel. (+31) (0)30 3200238 (ma, di, do) mob. (+31) (0)6 31786379 (wo, vrij)

www.wikimedia.nl

Mariaplaats 3 3511 LH Utrecht