Live Case, Snoezelen Success:

Stockton elementary school in America is home to around 500 students. This school is Chicago’s northernmost school for children that suffer from disabilities. In 1989 a speech therapist named Sandler described the school as a friendly place with supporting parents. However she also stated that the school would be an even better place if a Snoezelen room is added to the premises as this would help expose these individuals to regular Snoezelen sessions. At the beginning of the design process a consultant from a Snoezelen company quoted Sandler with a typical figure of 40,000, however Sandler was prepared to pay much more so that he would be able to provide these children with the best Snoezelen room possible.

 

Thanks to Sandler’s attention to details and ample budget, the room created managed to please all of the senses while consisting of modern technology and equipment. The rooms equipment is all remote controlled, dimmers are available for the light provided and each piece of equipment has its own individual switch. This helps the individual choose their favourite equipment which also helps them to become more independent and confident. The results of this room have exceeded all expectations. This room has helped reserved students to explore the environment while integrating with various activities, while hyperactive children are able to relax and calm down while they are enjoying this sensorial space. This room also provides a space for education and the students are able to learn how to interact with others and also communicate with others.

Sandler also shares an experience that she had during this process. She says that there was this little girl who would never speak at school and she described her as “selectively mute”, however during an activity while in a sensory space, this little girl suddenly grabbed the microphone that was situated in the room and began to sing. This shows us that these sensory spaces do have an effect on all kind of individuals and could help them improve any skill needed. Fortunately the positive results are not only being seen while these children are taking part in activities during their time in this space. After one year Sandler and other teachers of the school realised that some children had improved their communication skills while others had improved their behaviour. Since these children have become used to the multi sensorial environment within the school, they have become accustomed to the standard procedures such as dimming the lights and using the equipment in the right.

For many children suffering from a disability, simply learning a normal routine is a big deal. Multi sensorial class rooms would help these individuals to learan these routines in a simpler and more entertaining way. The impact that the Snoezelen room within the Stockton elementary school has had is a clear indication that these rooms can work wonders for these children.  

Reference list:

Snoezelen. 2016. Stockton Elementary School. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.snoezelen.info/success-stories/stockton-elementary-school/. [Accessed 31 May 2016].

Snoezelen. 2016. Pennyman Primary School. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.snoezelen.info/category/europe/. [Accessed 31 May 2016].