Case Study:
The Most
Amazing Place
A Multipurpose Sensory Space
for a wide range of ages.
The Background
SINAI is a program within schools to serve K-8 students who have a wide range of disabilities, including complex learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, social/emotional disorders and/or cognitive disabilities. Although SINAI wanted to create a sensory room for a long time, there was never enough space. This year, they were finally able to set aside a dedicated sensory room at the Cross River SINAI School at RYNJ in River Edge, New Jersey.
The Vision
To create a multipurpose space that could function both as a therapeutic gym and an academic instruction area, with flexible seating and tools for focused learning.
The Challenge
SINAI knew how critical it was that the measurements and installation of the equipment be done properly, but didn’t know how to ensure that. Fun and Function was able to complete the planning and arrange for professional installation. SINAI also requested a number of large equipment pieces in the not-so-large space. Keeping in mind the necessary safety clearance requirements, could Fun and Function get these larger items and utilize the space to its fullest potential?
Before
After
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team selected products that would be both durable and versatile, so that the room would stand up to heavy use and provide continued benefit to kids with varied abilities and needs.
When considering sensory activities that might be engaging for older kids, the team chose several climbing options. The Adaptive Climbing Wall is challenging, fun and a great way to help kids practice balance, build body awareness, develop gross motor skills and more. The Wild Web helps build self-confidence as kids can challenge themselves at their own pace. Monkey Bars challenge a wide range of fitness levels and are a fantastic strength-building activity.
The Jungle Jumparoo supports gross motor and balance skills and can accommodate multiple kids for some bouncing fun!
The team included a variety of swings which would be 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 with back-and-forth or side-to-side motion to help calm kids with sensory needs. They also chose our Skateboard Swing which supports sensory integration and improves balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning.
For kids who need more movement, the team suggested the SensaSoft Rockin Roll Top which promotes gross motor skills, balance and coordination and the SensaSoft Play Barrel which lets kids explore new ways to move their bodies. Gel Floor Tiles and Hopscotch Gel Floor Tiles provide visual processing and sensory stimulation. Balance Blocks are fun tools which support gross motor and visual perceptual skill development.
The SensaSoft Squeezie Seat is perfect for kids who could use some gentle sensory input. This comfy chair lightly squeezes, applying soothing pressure throughout the trunk. The design also supports better seating posture. Kids can rock back and forth to support focus during reading, listening and class time.
Step 2: Design & Layout
The End Result
Marcy Glicksman, the program director, was grateful for all the time that Fun and Function dedicated to her project. We were able to figure out the best way to meet the sensorimotor needs of the students in order to set the stage for optimal learning. One student remarked, “The sensory gym is the most amazing place!”
Case Study:
The Most Amazing Place
A Multipurpose Sensory Space
for a wide range of ages.
The Background
SINAI is a program within schools to serve K-8 students who have a wide range of disabilities, including complex learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, social/emotional disorders and/or cognitive disabilities. Although SINAI wanted to create a sensory room for a long time, there was never enough space. This year, they were finally able to set aside a dedicated sensory room at the Cross River SINAI School at RYNJ in River Edge, New Jersey.
The Vision
To create a multipurpose space that could function both as a therapeutic gym and an academic instruction area, with flexible seating and tools for focused learning.
The Challenge
SINAI knew how critical it was that the measurements and installation of the equipment be done properly, but didn’t know how to ensure that. Fun and Function was able to complete the planning and arrange for professional installation. SINAI also requested a number of large equipment pieces in the not-so-large space. Keeping in mind the necessary safety clearance requirements, could Fun and Function get these larger items and utilize the space to its fullest potential?
Before
After
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team selected products that would be both durable and versatile, so that the room would stand up to heavy use and provide continued benefit to kids with varied abilities and needs.
When considering sensory activities that might be engaging for older kids, the team chose several climbing options. The Adaptive Climbing Wall is challenging, fun and a great way to help kids practice balance, build body awareness, develop gross motor skills and more. The Wild Web helps build self-confidence as kids can challenge themselves at their own pace. Monkey Bars challenge a wide range of fitness levels and are a fantastic strength-building activity.
The Jungle Jumparoo supports gross motor and balance skills and can accommodate multiple kids for some bouncing fun!
The team included a variety of swings which would be 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 with back-and-forth or side-to-side motion to help calm kids with sensory needs. They also chose our Skateboard Swing which supports sensory integration and improves balance, body awareness, coordination and motor planning.
For kids who need more movement, the team suggested the SensaSoft Rockin Roll Top which promotes gross motor skills, balance and coordination and the SensaSoft Play Barrel which lets kids explore new ways to move their bodies. Gel Floor Tiles and Hopscotch Gel Floor Tiles provide visual processing and sensory stimulation. Balance Blocks are fun tools which support gross motor and visual perceptual skill development.
The SensaSoft Squeezie Seat is perfect for kids who could use some gentle sensory input. This comfy chair lightly squeezes, applying soothing pressure throughout the trunk. The design also supports better seating posture. Kids can rock back and forth to support focus during reading, listening and class time.
Step 2: Design & Layout
The End Result
Marcy Glicksman, the program director, was grateful for all the time that Fun and Function dedicated to her project. We were able to figure out the best way to meet the sensorimotor needs of the students in order to set the stage for optimal learning. One student remarked, “The sensory gym is the most amazing place!”