We use our senses to communicate with the world, both giving and receiving stimulation, and it is that interaction between the physical and mental self that allows us to communicate in a meaningful way with each other and the world around us. Perception issues, limitations of hearing, vision or movement, behavioral difficulties, and other problems can become stumbling blocks toward our enjoyment of the world, and the people around us. Sensory rooms can help affected individuals learn how to overcome their obstacles and interact with the world in a meaningful way.
A sensory room is a therapeutic room designed around an individual’s personal sensory development needs. Sensory rooms can integrate sound, colors, tactile objects, and even olfactory stimuli. Sensory rooms can be used to create a safe, relaxing space, or an educational environment. They can be used for relaxation, or to develop important motor and cognitive development.
Who uses a sensory room?
While a sensory room can be used and enjoyed by anyone, they find specific utility with those adults and children with sensory processing disorders. Spending time in a Multi-Sensory Environment can help focus attention, improve alertness and mobilization, as well as increased concentration and general connection to the physical world. A sensory room can be a powerful tool for someone who has been previously isolated within their perceptual limitations, as well as incorporating various optical, acoustic, tactile stimuli to help hyperactive individuals concentrate and focus better. Multi-Sensory Environments encourage learning through cognitive and motor development.
Providing a stimulating environment can:
- Increase concentration and focus attention
- Develop or reactivate the senses of hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste
- Heighten awareness and improve alertness
- Improve coordination and motor development
- Provide security
- Improve creativity
- Develop a sense of cause and effect
- Promote social interactions
- Promote mental and physical relaxation – Stress levels drop dramatically
- Result in more calmness and lower aggressive behaviors
- Increase the opportunity for choice and self-determination
- Provide relief from pain and painful physiotherapy
Whether your sensory room is intended for residential or commercial use, Environments by Design has the understanding and technology to design the perfect sensory room to suit your needs. A Multi-Sensory Environment can be an invaluable tool in the mental, physical, and social development, and for many, the only barrier to access is lack of availability. The addition of a sensory room to your home or business is an investment in the health and wellness of those with sensory perception and interaction issues.
A great example of a sensory room and its benefits is this children’s hospital project began as an Elf Foundation Room of Magic and blossomed into a center for healing through the arts for critically ill children. Expressive Therapy through visual arts, music, dance, poetry, and drama allows children to accept their illnesses, come to terms with their appearance, gain power over their illness and adjust to the hospital environment. A rooftop location was enclosed to provide a dynamic space that housed these elements that would accommodate children in all types of physical conditions, from those confined to beds and wheelchairs to children with immune disorders. Children have access to a recording studio, stage, karaoke, projection system, and an easy-to-operate PTZ camera to record their performances. They can then edit their performances using Apple PCs. They can also record personal messages in a sound booth or simply watch movies in a multi-use theater setting. The main objective was to automate the room’s systems with user-friendly wireless touchpanel that staff and patients could operate with little to no instruction.
For more information, contact us.