DEFINING A NEW CATEGORY
Sensory Infrastructure for Public Spaces
Saplings builds clinically designed sensory environments that help neurodivergent individuals and families participate more comfortably in recreation, events, and community spaces.
Beginning with clinically designed sensory pods integrated into community venues across Ontario.
The infrastructure gap is measurable
1 in 5
— Canadians are neurodivergent
(Conference Board of Canada, 2025)
8M
— Canadians living with a disability
(Statistics Canada, 2022)
72%
— report accessibility barriers annually
(Statistics Canada, 2022)
THE PROBLEM
Public spaces were not designed for sensory regulation.
Stadiums, airports, schools, museums, and conferences are built around constant stimulation — bright lights, crowd noise, movement, and unpredictability.
For many Canadians, including neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing sensory overload, these environments can quickly become inaccessible.
The result is a hidden barrier to participation in everyday life.
Saplings creates the infrastructure that helps people stay longer, participate more comfortably, and return with confidence.
Sensory accessibility is not a feature.
It is infrastructure.
“Multiple exits are planned before we even get to the venue…Just in case.”
Parent & Caregiver of an autistic adult · Toronto, Ontario
A NEW ACCESSIBLITY STANDARD
Saplings is building
sensory infrastructure
for the built environment.
Just as ramps and elevators transformed physical accessibility, sensory infrastructure will reshape how public environments accommodate cognitive and sensory diversity.
Saplings is not a sensory room company. We are building the systems, clinical frameworks, and venue networks that will make sensory accessibility a baseline expectation — not an exceptional feature.
Every pod installed expands the network. Every venue advances the standard.
FLAGSHIP ANCHOR
Stouffville Sports Dome
Our first confirmed deployment will be at the Stouffville Sports Dome, which is set to become the largest sports dome in Canada.
Saplings Pods will be integrated into the venue as a flagship example of what sensory infrastructure can look like in a high-traffic active environment.
Working in strategic partnership with The Mentana Group.
A model for future sports and recreation venues across Ontario.
THE SYSTEM
Three Layers of Infrastructure
Layer One — Active Now
Sensory Pods
Clinically designed, self-contained sensory environments. The first node in the network. Deployed inside the venues families already attend — sportsplexes, arenas, festivals, malls.
Layer Two — Building Now
The Saplings System™
The Saplings System™ is our proprietary design framework — the clinical and design backbone of everything we build. It was developed by our Founding Clinical Director, MHsc, Speech Language Pathologist Reg, CASLPO. Licensed to daycares, schools, therapy centres, and corporate environments.
Layer Three — Building Toward
The Saplings Network
A connected ecosystem of sensory-accessible venues. Families locate and navigate sensory-safe spaces with confidence. Venues operate to a shared standard.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Saplings Pod
The Saplings Sensory Pod is a self-contained, clinically designed sensory environment. It provides a calm, acoustically managed space where individuals can regulate sensory input, decompress and return to the activity around them.
Pods are designed for independence. Families walk in, use the space and leave. No registration. No staff required. No disclosure
❋ ACOUSTICSSound dampened structure creates an STC (Sound Transmission Class) of no less than 40.
Adjustable warm lighting. No Fluorescents. Dimmable Controls
❋ LIGHTINGNatural, low VOC, non-toxic, tactilely appropriate. Clinically selected.
❋ MATERIALSEvery Pod reviewed and approved by our registered SLP.
❋ CLINICALContainer and Indoor formats. Permanent or Seasonal deployments.
❋ MODULAROur spaces prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the environment.
❋ A SUPPORTIVE SPACEHow it Works
One model. Three sides. Everyone benefits.
Saplings connects corporate sponsors, community venues, and neurodivergent families in a model that works for everyone.
Corporate Sponsors
Fund annual pod deployments. Receive naming rights, verified ESG impact data, and tangible community visibility.
Venue Partners
Receive installed, clinically designed sensory infrastructure at low to no capital cost. Advances AODA intent.
Families
Access sensory relief spaces free of charge. No registration. No disclosure required. Infrastructure that removes the barrier.
Where Sensory Infrastructure Matters Most
-
Stadiums & Arenas
High-stimulation sporting environments.
-
Airports & Transit
Travel environments where regulation spaces are limited.
-
Museums & Culture
Public learning environments with high visitor volumes.
-
Conferences & Events
Temporary high-density gathering spaces.
-
Schools & Daycares
Educational environments supporting diverse learners.
-
Shopping & Public
Large commercial and civic environments.
Let’s build the next standard
Saplings is seeking venue partners for sensory pods and sponsors interested in supporting accessible infrastructure across Ontario.
Explore how Saplings can work in your space — whether you’re looking for a Corner, a pod, or a partnership.