CASE STUDY
Sinai’s Sensory Sensation
A therapeutic sensory gym prepares kids for focused learning
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
SINAI Schools are programs embedded within elementary schools to serve K-8 students who have a wide range of disabilities. Marcy Glicksman, director of the program, contacted Fun and Function stating they had finally resolved space constraint issues and were ready to design a long dreamed-of room in their River Edge, New Jersey location.
The Vision
To create a multipurpose space that could function both as a therapeutic gym and as an academic instruction area with flexible seating and tools for focused learning.
The Challenge
Marcy wanted larger equipment that would address OT, gross motor and vestibular goals. Keeping in mind the necessary safety clearance requirements, could Fun and Function fit in these larger items and utilize the space to its fullest potential?
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
When strategizing how to get larger products that promote heavy work into the small space, the Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team decided to incorporate the walls as part of the design, preserving precious floor space.
Build Muscle and Self-confidence!
The Adaptive Climbing Wall is a challenging yet fun way to help kids practice balance, build body awareness, and develop gross motor skills. The Wild Web builds self-confidence as students challenge themselves at their own pace. Monkey Bars are a fantastic strength-building and stamina-building activity.
Build Muscle and Self-confidence!
The Adaptive Climbing Wall is a challenging yet fun way to help kids practice balance, build body awareness, and develop gross motor skills. The Wild Web builds self-confidence as students challenge themselves at their own pace. Monkey Bars are a fantastic strength-building and stamina-building activity.
Swing High, Swing Low
With the walls completed, the team turned to the products that would require floor space. A suspension point for swings was placed in the center of the room to accommodate a variety of swings suitable for kids of different weights and sizes. They chose the Raindrop Swing, a compression swing that provides proprioceptive and vestibular input, and the SensaSoft™ Bolster Swing which allows for back-and-forth or side-to-side motion to help calm kids with sensory needs. They also chose the Skateboard Swing which supports sensory integration and improves balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning.
Swing High, Swing Low
With the walls completed, the team turned to the products that would require floor space. A suspension point for swings was placed in the center of the room to accommodate a variety of swings suitable for kids of different weights and sizes. They chose the Raindrop Swing, a compression swing that provides proprioceptive and vestibular input, and the SensaSoft™ Bolster Swing which allows for back-and-forth or side-to-side motion to help calm kids with sensory needs. They also chose the Skateboard Swing which supports sensory integration and improves balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning.
Active Play for Growth & Coordination
For gross motor activities that also support social integration, the team recommended the Jungle Jumparoo, which provides bouncing fun and can accommodate multiple kids at once. The SensaSoft™ Rockin Roll Top and the SensaSoft™ Foam Balance Beam are colorful and durable and can be used in a variety of ways to promote gross motor skills, balance and coordination. Kids love the vestibular input from the SensaSoft™ Play Barrel, and its cushioned body ensures safe fun for all.
Active Play for Growth & Coordination
For gross motor activities that also support social integration, the team recommended the Jungle Jumparoo, which provides bouncing fun and can accommodate multiple kids at once. The SensaSoft™ Rockin Roll Top and the SensaSoft™ Foam Balance Beam are colorful and durable and can be used in a variety of ways to promote gross motor skills, balance and coordination. Kids love the vestibular input from the SensaSoft™ Play Barrel, and its cushioned body ensures safe fun for all.
Calming Tools for Relaxing Time
The SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat was chosen as the perfect alternative seating option. It provides gentle pressure for kids who need sensory input, and kids who need movement can rock back and forth to enhance focus for learning. Other learning tools include the Noise Reduction Headphones and Wipe Clean Lap Pads, highly effective products that enhance focus and attention.
Calming Tools for Relaxing Time
The SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat was chosen as the perfect alternative seating option. It provides gentle pressure for kids who need sensory input, and kids who need movement can rock back and forth to enhance focus for learning. Other learning tools include the Noise Reduction Headphones and Wipe Clean Lap Pads, highly effective products that enhance focus and attention.
Interactive Floor Play
The room was completed with a variety of floor products including the Hopscotch Gel Floor Tiles, Balance Blocks, Squeaky Spots and Multicolored Gel Floor Tiles. Students can work on coordination and balance while learning about numbers, colors and sounds.
Interactive Floor Play
The room was completed with a variety of floor products including the Hopscotch Gel Floor Tiles, Balance Blocks, Squeaky Spots and Multicolored Gel Floor Tiles. Students can work on coordination and balance while learning about numbers, colors and sounds.
Step 2: The Design Process
The designated classroom had several design irregularities including some floor to wall columns on the periphery, heating vents in unusual places, and some shelving that couldn’t be moved. The Fun and Function Team successfully integrated these features into the room design. Additionally, the team recommended custom floor mats to give the room a full, cohesive feel.
The End Result
“The sensory gym is the most amazing place!”
- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
The Fun and Function Team successfully incorporated the larger sensory equipment and functional learning tools, designing a beautiful space that meets the sensory motor needs of the Sinai students and sets the stage for optimal learning.
Marcy enjoyed the collaboration, commenting,
“The Fun and Function staff were very responsive and a pleasure to work with!”
Perhaps even more important is the student feedback: “The sensory gym is the most amazing place!”
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