Philosophical Structure

The philosophical structure in a Multi Sensorial Space is made up of the five points that researcher O’Brien developed and came up with. It is important to take these five points into consideration when dealing with a sensory environment due to the fact that that could help improve the quality of life of these individuals that suffer from profound disabilities such as Cerebral palsy. The five accomplishments consist of Respect, Choice, Capabilities, Community presence and relationship.

It is important for the individual suffering from the disability to be respected. When shown respect the individual will feel like he/she is would have more control while in the Multi Sensorial Environment and this would result in the individual using the sensory room and equipment in the right way. Respecting the decision of these individual would also help them integrate with society and the environment in a calmer and more confident way.

Unfortunately in society, these individual do not have a large ability to choose things for themselves. However while in a sensory environment it is important to give them the choice to choose their own equipment, lighting and activities as this would help the individual feel more independent and responsible. It is important for therapists to find out what could motivate these individuals so that they could use this motivation to make them take part in any activity be it educational or a relaxed activity. Giving these individuals a sensory room in any kind of community is also a plus. It is important to focus on community presence due to the fact that some individuals would like to take part in activities outdoors while others might prefer taking part in activities in a normal sensory room.

Sensory rooms are important spaces where sensory activities could take place to help individuals that suffer from profound disabilities. When thinking of a multi sensorial space it is very important to consider these five accomplishments due to the fact that they could help the development of the individual’s skills, education and confidence. 

Reference list:

Fowler, SF, 2008. Multisensory Rooms and Environments. 1st ed. America: Scope (Vic) Ltd.

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