What Is A Multi-Sensory Room?

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What Is A Multi-Sensory Room?

2 Answers

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Answer 1

A multi sensory room is a room that is used in the education and relaxation of children and adults with severe and multiple learning difficulties. The rooms are created to offer a multi sensory approach that can stimulate the needs of children that would not benefit from a typical school classroom environment.

The multi sensory room needs to be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and standers to ensure access for all. The seating areas need to be padded for safety, and white is a popular choice as it glows under an ultra-violet light. The walls are often black so that a full blackout scenario can be created to signify the beginning and end of activities and sessions.

A multi-sensory room may contain a variety of light shows, including moving picture lenses. It will have sound facilities so that voices, music and stories can be played. Bubble tubes are also popular as the vibrations can be very soothing. Infinity mirrors are often popular, and all the items can be linked to switches for the children to control.

The multi-sensory room may be found in Special schools, hospitals and adult learning centres. They are now beginning to be installed in homes where it proves beneficial to development also.

Answer 2

Although often used as a relaxation room, the true function of the multi-sensory room is to provide a wealth of educational experiences for children with severe, profound and multiple specials needs. Children must be supervised at all times for safety reasons, and also because they need to be encouraged to take part in various activities available. This will ensure that they get the best possible educational experience.

A full blackout scenario can be used to calm the children upon entering and also to mark the beginning and end of the session. This enables continuity and clear structure. Soft vibrating cushions can be used to sooth sore limbs and can be attached to a switch to help the child learn about cause and effect. Bubble tubes can be pressed upon feet and hands, to stimulate reactions. Again, a switch can be used to change colours or to switch the item on and off.

The lights on infinity mirrors can attract attention, and again can be used for cause and effect activities. Stories can be acted out around these items with them being used at familiar points to help understand structure. Light shows can be used to train eye movement with tracking activities that help encourage eye contact.