Local adolescents in the Detroit metropolitan area break barriers with a global charitable organization dedicated to creating sensory-friendly environments

In the heart of Metro Detroit and Birmingham, a youth-led nonprofit organisation, the Perception Foundation, is making strides towards a more inclusive world. Co-founded and led by Maya Hammoud and her twin sister Lara Hammoud, the Perception Foundation is the largest youth-led nonprofit for neurodiversity.

The Hammoud sisters' mission is deeply personal, rooted in their desire to create comfortable spaces for their friend with a disability, whom they met in grade school. This friendship served as the foundation for their commitment to making the world more accessible and inclusive.

The Perception Foundation's work extends beyond borders, serving people in more than 20 countries. However, their focus is not just on a global scale; they are also dedicated to making a difference in their local communities. Their efforts have led to the creation of sensory spaces, designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities, in public areas.

One of the most notable achievements of the Hammoud sisters is their ability to create sensory spaces at an affordable cost. While a typical sensory room can cost around $40,000, the Perception Foundation has found ways to create them at a cost of up to $1,000.

In addition to sensory rooms, the Hammoud sisters also aim to adopt their sensory kits and curriculum to make the world more inclusive. Their goal is to establish sensory rooms in every public place, thereby ensuring a comfortable and accessible environment for all.

The Perception Foundation's work does not stop at creating sensory spaces. They also run a mentorship program, which has expanded to 86 branches in over 23 countries. Through this program, the Hammoud sisters continue to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders.

Lara Hammoud highlighted the existence of this mentorship program through the Perception Foundation's clubs. Maya Hammoud, on the other hand, encourages others to invest in ideas that may seem extreme, as they could potentially change the world.

Despite the significant impact the Perception Foundation has made, there is still much work to be done. The Hammoud sisters aim to make communities more inclusive and empower young minds. For more information about their work and initiatives, visit their website.

The Hammoud sisters challenge the misconception that one has to be older to get involved or change the world. Their story serves as a testament to the power of youth and the transformative potential of an idea.

Local adolescents in the Detroit metropolitan area break barriers with a global charitable organization dedicated to creating sensory-friendly environments