Huili Wang, assistant professor of interior design, was awarded an LSU Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research grant for her project “From Barriers to Bridges: Creating Neurodivergent-Friendly Physical Spaces in Public Libraries,” which aims to assess the accessibility of Baton Rouge libraries for neurodivergent children.

The interdisciplinary team—Huili Wang from the School of Interior Design, Nicholas Fears from the School of Kinesiology, Helena Fietz from the Department of Geography and Anthropology, and Michael Holt from LSU Library Services—brings expertise in environmental design, neurodiversity, and library sciences. By developing best practices based on universal and evidence-based design, the researchers aim to create adaptable, flexible sensory-friendly library spaces that serve as a model for libraries statewide and beyond.

“Public libraries are crucial to early childhood development, providing spaces and programs that foster educational and cultural engagement across diverse communities. With their inclusive mission, libraries are uniquely positioned to promote social justice, creating welcoming environments for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities,” the researchers wrote.

However, despite recent efforts to improve accessibility, many libraries still present barriers to neurodivergent children and their families, resulting in significant gaps in service and support (Paynter et al., 2020). For example, neurodivergent children may experience distress due to sensory overwhelming, often limiting their ability to fully engage in library space (Milly, 2023). 

Neurodivergence, which affects 15-20% of the global population, is shaped by genetic and environmental factors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). In Louisiana alone, approximately 685,000 of the state’s 4.57 million residents are neurodivergent. While extensive research on systemic social barriers limiting library access has addressed support for neurodivergent individuals through inclusive programs and staff training, there has been limited investigation into the impact of physical environments.

“Design factors such as complex layout, confusing wayfinding signage, fluorescent lighting, uncontrollable noise, and sensory overstimulation can make it difficult for neurodivergent children to visit libraries comfortably, often causing them feeling exclusion and avoid access or leave early,” Wang said, citing (Walton & McMullin, 2021). 

In contrast, sensory-friendly spaces have shown to provide neurodivergent children with an environment that reduces stress, fosters inclusion, and encourages. With Louisiana’s network of 67 library systems and over 476 librarians, this research seeks to address physical barriers and establishing universal design guidelines for more inclusive, accessible and welcoming library spaces. 

2025 Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research Awards

The LSU Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research has invested $1.8 million in seed funding for interdisciplinary research and creative works to solve problems and improve lives. 

“Since the launch of LSU’s Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research (PFIR) in 2022, the initiative has provided more than $5 million to support interdisciplinary research aligned with President Tate’s Scholarship First Agenda,” said Roy Haggerty, LSU Executive Vice President & Provost. “Through this investment, faculty have advanced research in five priority areas—agriculture, biomedicine and biotechnology, coast and environment, defense and cybersecurity, and energy—addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Louisiana and beyond.”

See other College of Art & Design faculty who received Provost Fund for Innovation in Research awards:

Jason Jamerson Joins Groundbreaking Biomedical Research Project

Malcolm McClay Leads Interdisciplinary Team to Address ADHD Through Art