Innovative Activity #7: Snoezelen Room

I do a fair amount of volunteering at Easter Seals Respite Camp in the Wisconsin Dells.  As a volunteer there you come across a lot of different populations and disabilities, some i've never even heard before.  The majority of the campers that come to Easter Seals have sensory issues or even anger issues and need to be calmed down constantly.  A Snoezelen Room isn't an activity, I feel that it's a very important part of camp because it's a vital tool that we use everyday.  At camp we call the Snoezelen Room the "sensory room" and it's sole purpose is for relaxation.  If a camper is having a behavior and needs to be seperated from the group then we take them to the sensory room and let them play with the equipment to relax and calm down.  Another huge use for it is for children that have sensory disabilities.  There are multiple tools that light up and one is a cyllinder that has bubbles that circulate up and change colors.  Here is a picture of a Snoezelen Room I found online because I didn't have a picture of the one from camp. 

Camp also has the octopus light looking thing that has lights that illuminate different tubes.  Not included in the photo, but is at camp is a swing hung from the ceiling and a ball pit.  The floor has the puzzle pieces as carpet so it's soft and there are bean bags to lay on.  The children more than enjoy this room and often will try to go there instead of going to the acitivities.  To see the change in the child's face when they are taken out of their wheelchair and put on the swing is priceless.  They are so happy and you can tell that a lot of times the lights and relaxation takes their mind off of the pain or conditions that they deal with on a day-to-day basis. 

Snoezelen rooms are quite expensive but you can always write grants for funding or try to get things donated.  There is an office in New York of the person who created this whole dynamic and they will work as a team and help you create your own snoezelen room that fits your needs.  The materials and equipment are very flexible and innovative because not every room has to be the same and you can implement certain things.  I thought this was a cool aspect to TR and everyone should hear about it!