During the 1970’s two Dutch therapists, Jan Hulsegge and Ad Verheul experimented with a
sensory tent at an institute. The aim of this was to increase sensory
experiences for individuals that suffer from disabilities. The results that
emerged from a weekend fair were positive and this led onto bigger
things and projects.
The first Snoezelen in the UK
After different fund raising events, Joe Kewin teamed
together with his team worked hard to design multi sensorial Snoezelen centre
at Whittington Hall in the UK. The Whittington hall was a large place which was
dedicated to helping adults which suffer from different disabilities and opened
its first Snoezelen in 1987. Thanks to this huge project the Whittington Hall
became the pioneer in early research and became the first Snoezelen environment
in the UK.
The growth of the Snoezelen beyond the UK and Holland
1.
1992: First Snoezelen room opened in Canada
2.
1992: First Snoezelen room opened in the US
The Snoezelen concept has grown year over year and can be
found in over 40 countries around the world.
Snoezelen in New Settings
The Snoezelen concept has evolved and has been proven useful
in different settings. It is now common in different places such as schools,
churches, community centres and many households. The Snoezelen technique can
help learning development, relaxation and raise alertness levels. Since its conception
the Snoezelen concept has improved the quality of life of many individuals.
Recent Snoezelen Projects
1.
2005: Snoezelen facilities in Florida. This
complex boasts an 11,000 square feet area which provides equipment for children
in need of sensory equipment.
2.
2008: Sensory room in a church for the first
time and since then 35 more clubs have been installed in churches.
3.
2015 – The large
project of designing and installing 5 Snoezelen rooms at Texas Children’s
Hospital and surrounding campuses
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| Snoezeelen concept in a class room |
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| Whittington Hall |
Reference List :
snoezelen.info. 2016. History
and Approach. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.snoezelen.info/history/.
[Accessed 23 May 2016].
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