John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and May Moore Primary School recently installed Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environment rooms for student use. Utilizing music, lighting effects, gentle vibrations, soothing sounds, tactile sensations and invigorating textures, the sensory room is a therapeutic space designed to promote self-organization and positive change. They contain specific sensory equipment for self-regulation activities designed to alleviate sensory processing difficulties.

Some of the benefits of sensory rooms include promoting cognitive development, improving interaction and social skills, and enhancing communication for people with specific disabilities such as cognitive disabilities, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, visual impairment and learning difficulties. They can also benefit students with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and ALS. Multisensory environments have been found to be especially beneficial for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly when the student has control over the multisensory environment, which is a specific feature of the Snoezelen room. Safe and engaging experiences in a sensory room have been shown to help students successfully integrate back into the least restrictive environment.

School staff were trained on implementation and usage, and students have been successfully utilizing and exploring the rooms.

“We have seen an amazing outcome and look forward to adding more to our district,” JFK Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said.  

Date Added: 7/23/2024