Types and Uses
Sensory equipment has been developed to produce positive results in adults and children with a wide range of special needs. By stimulating the senses and encouraging particular actions, progress can be made with various sensory skills such as co-ordination. Sensory equipment can also be used to help behavioural issues.
There is a wide range of sensory products available that work through sight, smell, hearing or touch. As well as products for individual sense categories, sensory equipment can be used to create a multi sensory room. Here, the user is cut off from outside distractions and is surrounded by an interactive environment that can be stimulating or calming.
The choice of sensory equipment can seem overwhelming and the advice of suppliers with long experience of special needs is invaluable in making the best use of the space and budget available. Involving the company early on in the process can be useful to advise architects, builders and electricians on requirements needed for the equipment.
A multi-sensory room might contain a selection of stimulating items such as bubble columns, mirrors, massage mats and a projector with changeable effect wheels.
Equipment for visual needs includes disco balls and spotlights and in the auditory section, there are noisy toys and puzzles and resonance equipment.
Other ranges include tactile products such as textured walls and squidgy toys and proprioception equipment to assist with body awareness.
Where to buy sensory equipment
- Sensory Technology Ltd - Unit 13, Kensington Business Park, Kensington Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 5NY, 08458 672 504