CASE STUDY
Lights, Music & Action
A selection of engaging products create a dream sensory experience
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Katie Bier is the principal of Our Lady of Confidence, a Pennsylvania K-12 school that services students with intellectual disabilities, ASD and other special needs. Katie contacted Fun and Function after being inspired by an Instagram post depicting a beautiful sensory space. She felt that fostering a creative, innovative, and engaging environment through a dedicated sensory room would be a perfect way to help meet the needs of all her students.
The Vision
A hybrid sensory space that would provide a calming environment as well as a place to release extra energy.
The Challenge
Because of the wide age range that the school serves, the team had to make sure the colors and products were appropriate for younger kids but mature enough to appeal to older students as well.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
Katie was an educated consumer and came prepared with a list of products she felt would be helpful to her students. She was also receptive to additional product recommendations by the Fun and Function designers, making the process a mutually enjoyable experience.
Comfy Seating for Unwinding
Katie and the team selected a number of calming seating options to help kids relax and unwind. The Fiber Optic Softie Beanbag provides calming tactile and visual stimulation through its irresistible fiber optic strands. Kids can also rest on the SensaSoft™ Vibrochair, which provides soothing vibration and music, allowing overstimulated kids to calm themselves.
Comfy Seating for Unwinding
Katie and the team selected a number of calming seating options to help kids relax and unwind. The Fiber Optic Softie Beanbag provides calming tactile and visual stimulation through its irresistible fiber optic strands. Kids can also rest on the SensaSoft™ Vibrochair, which provides soothing vibration and music, allowing overstimulated kids to calm themselves.
Visual & Tactile Stimulation
On the same wall sits the Fiber Optic Jellyfish, whose fiber optic “tentacles” give kids a chance to touch and manipulate while watching the colors change. The Custom Corner Bubble Tube Area is one of the highlights of the room, providing a full-blown sensory experience with soothing lights, more fiber optic strands, mirrors and a cozy padded base.
Visual & Tactile Stimulation
On the same wall sits the Fiber Optic Jellyfish, whose fiber optic “tentacles” give kids a chance to touch and manipulate while watching the colors change. The Custom Corner Bubble Tube Area is one of the highlights of the room, providing a full-blown sensory experience with soothing lights, more fiber optic strands, mirrors and a cozy padded base.
Fun Playhouse Corner
The SensaSoft™ Playhouse is a fantastic calming corner where kids can take a break from outside visual stimuli. It’s also a fun place for imaginary play! The team placed a mesmerizing LED Bubble Tube inside the playhouse as an extra sensory element.
Fantastic Playhouse Corner
The SensaSoft™ Playhouse is a fantastic calming corner where kids can take a break from outside visual stimuli. It’s also a fun place for imaginary play! The team placed a mesmerizing LED Bubble Tube inside the playhouse as an extra sensory element.
Stimulating Wall Panels
Katie liked the idea of musical products that weren’t too loud, so the team recommended the Sound Activated Light Up Wall Panel. This unique tool encourages speech and vocalization through sound activated lights! Kids can make their own music and sound with the UV Musical Tactile Panel. The Interactive Rainbow Panel helps calm over-responders with a relaxing visual experience and interactive touchpad.
Stimulating Wall Panels
Katie liked the idea of musical products that weren’t too loud, so the team recommended the Sound Activated Light Up Wall Panel. This unique tool encourages speech and vocalization through sound activated lights! Kids can make their own music and sound with the UV Musical Tactile Panel. The Interactive Rainbow Panel helps calm over-responders with a relaxing visual experience and interactive touchpad.
Hop, Jump & Slide
The team also made sure to recommend products that would
help kids release excess energy in a productive way, focusing
on choices that would appeal to the wide age range.
The SensaSoft™ Musical Lightup Hopscotch provides a fantastic
interactive experience for kids of all ages by encouraging
movement with visual and auditory feedback. The LED Sensory
Roller Slide offers deep pressure and vestibular input as kids
roll down. It also strengthens gross motor skills
and improves body awareness.
Hop, Jump & Slide
The team also made sure to recommend products that would
help kids release excess energy in a productive way, focusing
on choices that would appeal to the wide age range.
The SensaSoft™ Musical Lightup Hopscotch provides a fantastic
interactive experience for kids of all ages by encouraging
movement with visual and auditory feedback. The LED Sensory
Roller Slide offers deep pressure and vestibular input as kids
roll down. It also strengthens gross motor skills
and improves body awareness.
Bounce & Balance!
Jumping on the SensaSoft™ Platform Trampoline helps kids develop gross motor skills, coordination and balance. It’s also great for a quick brain break or as part of a sensory diet. The Interactive Balance Beam is another gross motor choice that encourages coordination and balance while providing fun sounds with each step!
Bounce & Balance!
Jumping on the SensaSoft™ Platform Trampoline helps kids develop gross motor skills, coordination and balance. It’s also great for a quick brain break or as part of a sensory diet. The Interactive Balance Beam is another gross motor choice that encourages coordination and balance while providing fun sounds with each step!
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
Hybrid designs present a challenge when housed in smaller spaces. In this case, the team chose to place most calming products across one wall, while putting the gross motor activities in the center of the room, giving students ample space to move, jump and play!
The End Result
Exactly what we imagined and we wouldn’t change a thing!
- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
The teachers added sensory room time into their daily
schedules to allow the kids a chance to unwind and reset.
Students from all grades love visiting the sensory room,
and their teachers love the results!
Katie’s enthusiasm for the project is contagious. She shares
her feedback with parents too, giving them ideas for creating
their own sensory spaces at home!
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