CASE STUDY
A Surprise Rescue
Creating a sensory room seen by a million viewers on NBC TV
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Families with unique challenges are featured on NBC TV’s “George to the Rescue” – and the producers turned to Fun and Function for our sensory room expertise. In this episode, the Fruhschein family has a daughter with Jordan’s Syndrome and she needs a therapeutic sensory space to build skills over time.
The Vision
To transform an unfinished basement into a safe and therapeutic space for 4-year-old Hailey to achieve new milestones, while incorporating family activities for her big brother and parents too.
The Challenge
Collaborating with a cross-functional team of therapists, interior designers, contractors and television producers to create a home therapy space – while keeping it a surprise for the Fruhschein family!
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
The most essential part of the process was selecting the appropriate equipment to help Hailey reach her individual goals. Fun and Function’s therapists met with Hailey’s therapists to share ideas and discuss the best options; Hailey’s parents were asked for their input as well.
Sliding into Sensory Fun
The Sensory Roller Slide was everyone’s favorite since the design motivates kids to build motor skills. As the child slides down, the rollers light up in different colors. The slide is low to the ground for easy access, and it provides calming deep pressure and vestibular input.
Sliding into Sensory Fun
The Sensory Roller Slide was everyone’s favorite since the design motivates kids to build motor skills. As the child slides down, the rollers light up in different colors. The slide is low to the ground for easy access, and it provides calming deep pressure and vestibular input.
Tactile Exploration
Hailey is very responsive to textures, and the Fiber Optic Wall Carpet provides a soothing tactile experience. She loves to interact with the changing colors too.
Textured Wall Panels also provide tactile input. Hailey and her brother can form letters on Plush Purple, get a finger massage on Bumpy Blue, and trace the raised circles of Lumpy Lime.
Tactile Exploration
Hailey is very responsive to textures, and the Fiber Optic Wall Carpet provides a soothing tactile experience. She loves to interact with the changing colors too.
Textured Wall Panels also provide tactile input. Hailey and her brother can form letters on Plush Purple, get a finger massage on Bumpy Blue, and trace the raised circles of Lumpy Lime.
Swinging for Sensory Input
Hailey and her brother Noah can ride together on the Magic Carpet Swing which builds muscle tone, balance and coordination. They can fly on their belly, lie on their backs, or sit for an unforgettable ride.
Swinging for Sensory Input
Hailey and her brother Noah can ride together on the Magic Carpet Swing which builds muscle tone, balance and coordination. They can fly on their belly, lie on their backs, or sit for an unforgettable ride.
Strength, Balance and Confidence
Hailey can practice motor planning as she crawls through the Sensasoft™ Tunnel Mat. Unroll the tunnel and it becomes a mat for exercise, free play or dancing to music which Hailey also loves. The Walking Bar supports Hailey as she stands, stretches and safely practices her balance.
Calm & Engagement
Hailey can practice motor planning as she crawls through the Sensasoft™ Tunnel Mat. Unroll the tunnel and it becomes a mat for exercise, free play or dancing to music which Hailey also loves. The Walking Bar supports Hailey as she stands, stretches and safely practices her balance.
These sensory tools create a nurturing environment where kids can relax, explore and unwind in the way that works best for them.
Step 2: Design & Layout
The layout was designed to engage Hailey’s attention and yet integrate within the larger family room. Colors were selected to soothe or stimulate the senses.
The End Result
“Fun and Function is amazing, and our therapists are also incredible. We’re so happy that they teamed up together.”
- Michelle Fruhschein, mother of Hailey
With careful planning, coordination and execution, this diverse team of experts achieved the goal! The Fruhschein family was surprised and delighted with the therapeutic sensory space that now supports Hailey’s growth. The episode aired in Fall 2024 and had about one million viewers.
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