Our Story
From Filling a Need to Finding the Gaps
It all began during COVID-19 lockdown. A good friend asked where, locally, she could buy the sensory swing Katie has in her home. It was then, she realized that our community and the neurodiverse population do not have easily accessible resources.
Katie has experienced the difficulties of shopping and finding products to support her child’s needs. Most items have to be ordered on-line. It is very important for individuals to have an opportunity to feel and experience items that could support them in a safe, sensory-friendly environment. Ordering online leads to many items needing to be returned and the challenges that involves.
From packing up the item, preparing the kids or yourself to run errands in a neurotypical setting, taking the item to a store/post office/mail provider, standing in line, to then reordering and repeating the process again. Katie knows the difficulties that this presents for her family and decided to solve the problem. The sensory store seed was planted!
Once the idea formed, Katie knew exactly who to talk with, Lauren Howard. From there, Lauren has become the driving force in the operations of Sensory Tool House. Most recently, Lauren and Katie have formed Equity Access Solutions, LLC (EquiAcc) to further community education on inclusion in employment, education, and community.
Equity Access Solutions, LLC is the developed from the work that Sensory Tool House was doing in the community. Both Katie and Lauren knew there were many gaps in access in our communities, however they were both naive to the magnitude of what those where. Through Sensory Tool House, many partnerships have been made and the need for training and consulting in the community was seen and asked for.
Katie and Lauren’s work in the community, education, work experience, and personal experiences provide them with the ability to bring to the community this missing piece; opportunity for schools, organizations, employers, cities, and more to learn ways to be more accessible for those who are neurodivergent.
Katie McMurray, M.ED., CDMS
For over 17 years Katie has worked with the neurodiverse community as a teacher, volunteer, vocational counselor, and certified disability management specialist. She is the founder of Sensory Tool House, LLC, a visionary, first of its kind store and resource for the neurodiverse community.
Katie is an award-winning neurodivergent business owner who has shown that increasing access to employment and providing a culture of support for all increases productivity, retention, and innovation across the team.
Her model of inclusion and support within the workforce named her Boss of the Year in 2023 and Washington's Small Business Development Council's Star Client of the year. She has been featured in various publications and on podcasts throughout the country.
Katie speaks with humor, vulnerability, and conviction from her lived experiences, education, and professional work.
Lauren Howard
An advocate, neurodiversity expert, and nationally recognized leader. Lauren has spoken around the country and worked with multiple organizations to decrease barriers in the workplace and increase access to education and services for those who are neurodivergent and disabled. This work has not gone unnoticed.
Lauren was named Green Beret Spouse of the Year in 2023. She received the Lewis County Inclusion in Business award and most recently is being honored by the Soroptimist Olympia as one of 2024 South Sound Exceptional Woman.
Lauren has run Sensory Tool House, LLC as Director of Operations, created numerous community impacts for inclusion, and models inclusion in the workplace at both Sensory Tool House and EquiAcc.
Her lived experience as a neurodivergent person, mom to neurodivergent and disabled kids, educational, and professional work has given her the ability to speak honestly and provide key points and strategies for others to use and succeed with.
More About Equiacc and their work From Sensory Tool House
Leading The Way
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity: Sensory Tool House Leads the Way in Workplace Accessibility
September 29, 2023
In an ever-evolving landscape of work, where diversity and inclusivity are paramount, two remarkable individuals are pioneering change. Meet Katie McMurray, the visionary owner of Sensory Tool House, LLC, and Lauren Howard, the driving force behind its operations. In an ever-evolving landscape of work, where diversity and inclusivity are paramount, two remarkable individuals are pioneering change. Meet Katie McMurray, the visionary owner of Sensory Tool House, LLC, and Lauren Howard, the driving force behind its operations.
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
"Local Business Provides Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events"
February 2023
Showcase Magazine
According to the manager of the Sensory Tool House, Lauren Howard, “The City of Lacey really took a huge step when they approached us to help them make the event more inclusive, but it was also an easy step we hope many others will also take.”
Howard believes as more events, businesses and organizations add these sensory zones, they will become more normalized and change perspectives about neurodivergent people. “You or someone near you is likely to be neurodivergent. Thank goodness for that neurodiversity. My life would not be the same without it, and neither would yours.”
Talent Magnet Podcast
Sensory-Sensitive Areas at Events
Talent Magnet Podcast
E38: Making Your Business More Neurodiverse: Practical Tips for Attraction and Retention
2023 Boss of the Year
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Talent Magnet Podcast
Katie McMurray was one of three local business owners earning the honor of Boss of the Year from Thurston County Chamber.
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Lauren Howard was the recipient of the 2023 Green Beret Spouse of the Year Award for her dedication, resilience, and sacrifice.
WASBDC Star Client of the Year 2023
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Green Beret Spouse of the Year 2023
Sensory Tool House was named the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Star Client for 2023. Business owner Katie McMurray was honored at the Small Business Awards Gala on May 3 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
