April is Autism Awareness Month, and Yogibo is the first certified Sensory Inclusive retail chain. Learn more!
Sensory Inclusion For All.
Back in December 2019, we proudly made history—becoming the world’s very first Sensory Inclusive retail chain! This milestone was the result of an incredible partnership with our friends at KultureCity, an organization doing phenomenal work to make the world more inclusive for individuals with sensory needs.
Through KultureCity’s certified training program, every single Yogibo store across the United States was fully certified by March 2020. This meant our staff were equipped with the tools and awareness to create welcoming, safe spaces for families with sensory sensitivities.
But this partnership was about more than just certification. It was a meaningful opportunity to understand how we, as a brand, could be a genuine ally in the sensory inclusion movement—and help lead the charge toward a more inclusive future.
Our journey with KultureCity didn’t stop there. Together, we’ve teamed up on projects that span the country—from helping build sensory rooms in NBA, NFL, and MLB arenas, to supporting numerous sensory-focused initiatives that touch lives in real and lasting ways.
Want to experience the impact firsthand? Download the free KultureCity app to discover sensory inclusive spaces near you—anytime, anywhere.
We’re proud to be part of this movement, and we’re just getting started.
A Quick Look at Sensory Processing: Why Some Brains Work a Little Differently
To understand sensory processing challenges, we’ve got to take a quick trip back to the 1970s. That’s when occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres first identified what we now call sensory processing difficulties—a groundbreaking discovery at the time.
Dr. Ayres proposed that while most people process sensory information without thinking twice, some individuals’ brains struggle to interpret all the signals coming in from the senses. And here’s the twist: she wasn’t just talking about the traditional five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound). She introduced two “hidden” senses that are just as important—Proprioception and Vestibular.
Think of it this way: when the brain can’t make sense of all that incoming sensory data, it’s like a traffic jam in your head. Signals are piling up, overlapping, and it becomes hard to know what to pay attention to.
So what exactly are these two lesser-known senses?
Proprioception: The Body’s Built-In GPS
Proprioceptive receptors are found in your muscles, joints, and ligaments. They tell your brain where your body is in space and how to move around without bumping into things. They’re what help you walk through a crowded room without tripping or press just the right amount when holding a pencil.
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People who are hyposensitive to proprioception often crave deep pressure or movement. That’s why they may love jumping, crashing into things, or getting big bear hugs. It helps their brains “feel” their bodies more clearly.
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On the flip side, those who are hypersensitive may struggle with spatial awareness. They might grip things too tightly, bump into walls, or slam down a cup instead of gently setting it down—not because they’re clumsy, but because their brains aren’t accurately measuring force or space.
Vestibular: The Balance Boss
Vestibular receptors live in your inner ear and help you understand your sense of balance, motion, and head position. They’re why you can stand on one foot or know you’re tilting your head even with your eyes closed.
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Ever get seasick on a boat? That’s your vestibular system going haywire—your eyes and inner ears are sending mixed messages to your brain, which causes nausea and dizziness.
People with vestibular hyposensitivity are often in constant motion. They seek out spinning, jumping, swinging, and intense movement—like bouncing on trampolines, spinning in circles, or even being tossed in the air. It’s their way of feeding those under-responsive receptors and helping their bodies feel more regulated.
Understanding these two hidden senses helps explain why some people behave in ways that might seem “hyperactive” or “clumsy” on the outside—but it’s really just their unique way of navigating a world full of sensory input.
So, Where Does Yogibo Fit In?
Yogibo isn’t just cozy furniture—it’s also an incredible sensory tool. Thanks to our uniquely soft, stretchy, and malleable fabric, Yogibo products offer a sensory experience unlike anything else.
For those who find comfort in touching, stretching, pushing, or pulling, simply placing a hand on a Yogibo provides instant, soothing feedback. And for individuals who crave deep pressure or love to crash into things, our sturdy, flexible design delivers that satisfying resistance without being harsh or rigid. We've seen entire families pile onto one Yogibo—trust us, they’re built to handle it!
Our adaptive fill is another unsung hero. It’s quiet and calming, with none of the loud rustling or crunching you’d find in traditional bean bags. The sound is more like a gentle whisper—think ambient noise machine vibes—creating a peaceful, grounding environment.
And here’s a big one: no pressure points. Every inch of a Yogibo is soft and responsive. There are no pokes, no prods, no stiff edges. Whether you’re sitting, stretching out, or rolling around, it’s like interacting with a cloud.
Bonus? All of our covers are removable and washable, and we offer refills so your Yogibo can stay fresh and supportive—even after years of love and use.
It’s not just furniture—it’s a sensory-friendly sanctuary.
See How YOU Can Make A Difference!
Visit KultureCity and Race, Donate, and learn more today!