Additional Needs Support at DTI
At DTI we want every young person to be able to encounter Jesus, build friendships and enjoy all that the festival has to offer. We recognise that for some young people, busy festival environments can be overwhelming, so we're committed to creating supportive spaces and providing practical resources to help them thrive.
We also know that youth leaders and parents know their young people best. By working together, we can help ensure every young person has the support they need throughout the week.
Accessibility Spaces
Throughout DTI there will be a number of dedicated spaces designed to support young people who may need a quieter environment, time to regulate, or additional sensory support.
Sensory Space (Main Arena)
Located beside the main meeting venue, the Sensory Space provides a calmer area where young people can still engage with the meetings while accessing sensory resources and support. The space includes gazebos, blackout sensory tents, ear defenders, fidget toys, sensory equipment and members of the Accessibility Team.
Regulation Station (Dream Café)
The Regulation Station offers a welcoming, low-stimulation space for young people who are feeling overwhelmed or simply need some time to regulate. It includes blackout tents, calming sensory lighting, fidget resources and Accessibility Team members. The station is open during the main meetings and between 2.00pm–5.00pm each day.
Quiet Space (Live Lounge)
The Quiet Space provides a live video feed of the main meetings in a quieter environment, allowing young people to remain part of what's happening without being in the busiest areas. The space includes sensory equipment, blackout tents, ear defenders and support from the Accessibility Team.
Sensory HQ
Outside the main meetings, Sensory HQ offers a dedicated environment for young people who need a break from the activity of the festival. The room includes blackout tents, weighted blankets, bean bags, sensory lighting, swivel chairs, rugs, fidget toys and other calming equipment. Sensory HQ is open 2.00pm–5.00pm and 9.00pm–10.30pm each day.
Helping Young People Navigate the Site
Support locations across the site will be identified using the DTI Sunflower symbol. Young people can also collect an optional DTI Sunflower Lanyard containing a support map showing key accessibility spaces, including Sensory HQ, Regulation Station, the Quiet Space and The Chat Room.
The lanyard is completely optional but can be a helpful way for young people to identify support locations and enable the DTI team to recognise when someone may benefit from additional assistance.
Before You Come
We encourage youth leaders to speak with parents or carers before DTI to understand any additional needs and discuss what equipment or resources may help their young person feel comfortable during the week.
Many young people already use items such as ear defenders, Loop ear plugs, weighted blankets or sensory equipment at home or school. Bringing familiar resources can make a significant difference in helping them stay regulated.
We also recommend that groups consider bringing a small additional needs kit, including items such as ear defenders, fidget toys and other sensory resources. While the Accessibility Team has equipment available within our dedicated support spaces, we are unable to lend items to individual groups throughout the week.
If you are bringing a young person with significant additional needs who may require ongoing support, it may also be worth considering whether you can recruit an additional team member to help them engage fully with everything DTI has to offer.
Our heart is that every young person feels welcomed, supported and able to encounter Jesus in a way that works for them. If you have any questions before arriving at DTI, we'd love to hear from you.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to hello@dreamingtheimpossible.org.uk
