The Vision

To create a dual purpose sensory space where individual students could de-escalate or work on occupational therapy goals with the school’s OT.

The Challenge

Building a space that would satisfy two goals: serve as a calming space and also provide an active area where the school’s OT could work with students to achieve therapy goals.

Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools

The Coal City team were educated consumers. They knew their students loved calming products that provide deep-pressure input, compression and proprioception. At the same time, they felt a swing area would be most important for their occupational therapy work.

A Calming Corner to Recharge

The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team started with a calming corner that included products that would calm all senses: the Mega and Mini Mushy Smushies and SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat provide calming proprioception, the hanging Fiber Optic Jellyfish offer soothing visual stimulation, and the Gel Floor Tiles enhance visual processing and provide calming tactile input. A customized Break Box was also placed in this corner.

A Calming Corner to Recharge

The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team started with a calming corner that included products that would calm all senses: the Mega and Mini Mushy Smushies and SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat provide calming proprioception, the hanging Fiber Optic Jellyfish offer soothing visual stimulation, and the Gel Floor Tiles enhance visual processing and provide calming tactile input. A customized Break Box was also placed in this corner.

Soothing Colors

The Coal City staff loved the idea of the Sensory Color Column! It would add an incredibly calming visual experience, similar to a bubble tube but without the water maintenance. They especially loved the adjustable lighting option so students could choose the color that’s most soothing for them to watch.

Soothing Colors

The Coal City staff loved the idea of the Sensory Color Column! It would add an incredibly calming visual experience, similar to a bubble tube but without the water maintenance. They especially loved the adjustable lighting option so students could choose the color that’s most soothing for them to watch.

Comfy Seating, Engaging Panels

The wipe-clean SensaSoft™ Compression Canoe and SensaSoft™ Fiber Optic Tunnel were another two favorites for the Coal City staff and students, the former for its calming compression aspect, and the latter for the cozy, enclosed feeling it provides along with the visual aspect. Sensory Wall Panels with flipping sequins were strategically placed on the parallel wall for additional visual stimulation.

Comfy Seating, Engaging Panels

The wipe-clean SensaSoft™ Compression Canoe and SensaSoft™ Fiber Optic Tunnel were another two favorites for the Coal City staff and students, the former for its calming compression aspect, and the latter for the cozy, enclosed feeling it provides along with the visual aspect. Sensory Wall Panels with flipping sequins were strategically placed on the parallel wall for additional visual stimulation.

Big, Fun Tools for Balance

For motor-planning activities, the Fun and Function team suggested the SensaSoft™ Foam Balance Beam, a set of Round Gel Tiles, and a variety of Therapy Balls to work on balance and core strengthening. The SensaSoft™ Rocking Half Barrel serves as an excellent sensory tool for vestibular stimulation.

Big, Fun Tools for Balance

For motor-planning activities, the Fun and Function team suggested the SensaSoft™ Foam Balance Beam, a set of Round Gel Tiles, and a variety of Therapy Balls to work on balance and core strengthening. The SensaSoft™ Rocking Half Barrel serves as an excellent sensory tool for vestibular stimulation.

Swing into Sensory Play

For the most important feature of the room - the swinging area - the Sensory Room Design Team recommended the Homestand Portable Swing Frame which can accommodate both two point and one point suspension swings. The staff wanted a cozy compression-type swing like the Net Swing. The team included a Crash Mat both for swing safety and for lounging or jumping.

Swing into Sensory Play

For the most important feature of the room - the swinging area - the Sensory Room Design Team recommended the Homestand Portable Swing Frame which can accommodate both two point and one point suspension swings. The staff wanted a cozy compression-type swing like the Net Swing. The team included a Crash Mat both for swing safety and for lounging or jumping.

These sensory tools create a nurturing environment where kids can relax, explore and unwind in the way that works best for them.

Step 2: The Design Process

With one full wall of windows and a space that would include both calming and active elements, the Sensory Room Design Team needed to be strategic in creating a smart, functional space.
Products that addressed the same skill or goal were grouped together. Two corners and one wall of the room were dedicated to calming products. The remaining two walls and the center of the room were dedicated to the active tools such as the balance beam, round floor tiles, therapy balls, swing and crash pad.