Jennifer Duong, 18, top and Karen Octavo, 18, both from Torrance enjoy the Sensory trailer. Long Beach Health and Human Services division debuted their Sensory Area for Everyone pop up trailer at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 19, 2024. Yet, despite living in the same region as one of the country’s most-iconic IndyCar street races, they’d only ever attended NASCAR events — and not the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Ryan said she often looks for sensory areas at events they go to. Her son, she said, is “very high sensory seeking.” The city’s Disability Access and Functional Needs Unit saw a gap in services for people with sensory needs during public health emergency planning, Martin said. Karen Octavo, left, and Jennifer Duong, both from Torrance enjoy a touch wall panel in the Sensory trailer. Long Beach Health and Human Services division debuted their Sensory Area for Everyone pop up trailer at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The sensory trailer had already been visited by more than 150 people, as of 11 a.m. Friday, Martin said. By 3 p.m., more than 400 people, including Long Beach Councilmember Mary Zendejas, had stopped by the trailer. Kim Vuong, one of the city’s accessibility advocates, said her favorite sensory accessory in the trailer was “everything.” Vuong has cerebral palsy and uses an electronic talker to communicate. She is also chair of Long Beach’s Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Disabilities.