CASE STUDY
The Doctor Is In!
Easing trips to the vaccine clinic in Calhoun County
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Taking a child to a vaccination appointment is hardly a walk in the park. For parents and caregivers of kids with special needs, the challenge is exacerbated. Harsh lighting, long wait times and a host of other elements often lead to a stressful and draining experience. Forward thinking staff members at the Calhoun County Public Health Department proposed an innovative idea: What if kids could receive their vaccines in a calming sensory room?
The Vision
To create a safe and comfortable space where kids of all abilities can receive vaccinations with less stress and anxiety.
The Challenge
A medical facility is not a conventional location for a sensory room. Could the team convert a small, sterile exam room into a calming sensory space?
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
Knowing that kids visiting the sensory room may be experiencing intense emotions, the team focused on calming tools and equipment that would help kids decompress and relax throughout the vaccination process.
A Soothing, Playful Environment
To make the room feel less clinical, the team optimized lighting choices. Fluorescent Light Filters tone down glaring overhead lights while the whimsical Cloud Mirror adds an ambient glow and a touch of playfulness. Captivating and calming, the Waterless LED Color Column helps distract kids from their fears so they can calm down and self-regulate.
A Soothing, Playful Environment
To make the room feel less clinical, the team optimized lighting choices. Fluorescent Light Filters tone down glaring overhead lights while the whimsical Cloud Mirror adds an ambient glow and a touch of playfulness. Captivating and calming, the Waterless LED Color Column helps distract kids from their fears so they can calm down and self-regulate.
Ease Nerves, Release Tension
To help ease their nerves, kids can manipulate the glowing tentacles of the Fiber Optic Jellyfish. If they're feeling fidgety or restless, they can spin and pull interactive elements on the eye-catching UV Musical Tactile Wall Panel
Ease Nerves, Release Tension
To help ease their nerves, kids can manipulate the glowing tentacles of the Fiber Optic Jellyfish. If they're feeling fidgety or restless, they can spin and pull interactive elements on the eye-catching UV Musical Tactile Wall Panel
Take a Seat and Relax
The team also added sensory seating options where kids can sit before, during and after receiving their shots. The SensaSoft Squeezie Seats offer deep pressure input to help kids feel safe and secure. To help settle the body and mind, kids can lounge on the SensaSoft Support Vibrochair and relax as the chair vibrates in sync with their favorite song.
Take a Seat and Relax
The team also added sensory seating options where kids can sit before, during and after receiving their shots. The SensaSoft Squeezie Seats offer deep pressure input to help kids feel safe and secure. To help settle the body and mind, kids can lounge on the SensaSoft Support Vibrochair and relax as the chair vibrates in sync with their favorite song.
Calm & Engagement
Interactive items like the Denim Marble Maze provide residents with a quiet, hands-on activity that promotes concentration and relaxation. The repetitive motion of guiding the marble through the maze can be especially soothing and satisfying. Together, these sensory tools bring comfort and gentle engagement into the space, giving residents opportunities to interact with their surroundings, reduce stress and experience soothing sensory input throughout the day.
Calm & Engagement
Interactive items like the Denim Marble Maze provide residents with a quiet, hands-on activity that promotes concentration and relaxation. The repetitive motion of guiding the marble through the maze can be especially soothing and satisfying. Together, these sensory tools bring comfort and gentle engagement into the space, giving residents opportunities to interact with their surroundings, reduce stress and experience soothing sensory input throughout the day.
Step 2: The Design Process
The team positioned most of the sensory equipment at the rear of the room. This design works against overstimulation and allows kids to gradually engage as they feel more comfortable in the space. Equipment was chosen in soothing blue hues to compliment the clinic’s existing color scheme while contributing to the room’s overall atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
The End Result
It's been very successful in making people feel comfortable.
- Hailey Black, Director at Calhoun County Public Health Department
*As quoted in Second Wave Media (secondwavemedia.com)
After weeks of hard work and careful planning, the team successfully transformed an unassuming exam room into a serene sensory oasis. While it may be small in size, this unique sensory room is making a big difference in the lives of special needs families.
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