Walk into a well-designed sensory room and you’ll notice it immediately: the quiet hum of soft lighting, the gentle glow of colour, the subtle vibration of a textured chair. It’s not just beautiful—it’s intentional. For individuals with sensory processing differences, including children with autism, adults with ADHD, or seniors with dementia, a sensory room can be a sanctuary. But not all sensory spaces are created equal.

So what separates a truly therapeutic sensory room from one that’s simply decorative?

At Sensory One, we specialize in designing evidence-based sensory environments for all ages—from calming school corners to interactive rooms for long-term care. Our custom design services bring meaningful calm to your space.

The Science Behind the Senses

Sensory rooms work because they provide controlled input to the nervous system. Whether it’s visual, tactile, auditory, or vestibular, each stimulus has a purpose—either to calm, alert, or organize the individual’s sensory experience.

Research shows that people with sensory processing disorders often need environments that allow them to reset or regulate. A well-crafted sensory space meets this need by offering options: places to hide or engage, textures to explore or avoid, and lights and sounds that can be personalized.

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy underscores how multisensory environments can improve behaviour, attention, and emotional regulation in individuals with cognitive or developmental challenges.

What a Therapeutic Room Is Not

It’s easy to confuse a sensory room with a playroom—but they’re not the same. A room full of flashing lights and random toys may be stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming and counterproductive.

A true therapeutic room has purposeful zoning:

• Calming areas with dim lighting, soft textures, and weighted items
• Alerting spaces with movement elements like swings or spinning stools
• Interactive zones with cause-and-effect tools or projections that encourage exploration

Too much visual noise or unstructured layout can undo the room’s benefits.

Key Features That Make a Difference

While each room should be customized to the population it serves, some core elements tend to appear in well-designed therapeutic spaces:

• Lighting control: Dimmable LED lighting, colour-changing projectors, or fibre optics support mood regulation and visual comfort
• Tactile exploration: Wall panels, sensory tiles, and fidget items offer soothing or alerting touch options
• Sound management: Soft ambient music, white noise, or soundproofing elements reduce overstimulation
• Movement equipment: Swings, balance beams, and rockers support vestibular and proprioceptive input
• Visual tracking: Bubble tubes, mirror balls, or projectors help with focus and eye coordination

Importantly, all elements must be durable, safe, and easy to clean, especially in educational and healthcare environments.

Designing for Specific Populations

Therapeutic design varies greatly depending on who the room is for. For example:

• In schools, sensory corners help neurodivergent students self-regulate during overstimulating moments.
• In long-term care, sensory rooms offer reminiscence tools and soothing input for seniors with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
• In therapy clinics, these rooms become active tools used by occupational therapists to assess and support treatment.

Sensory One often designs modular, mobile, or hybrid rooms that can adapt to evolving needs. The key is thoughtful planning and collaboration between educators, therapists, and families.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdesigning: More is not better. A cluttered room can trigger anxiety or meltdowns.
• No input from users: Failing to consider who will actually use the room can make it ineffective.
• Ignoring acoustics: A visually calm room that echoes loudly can still overwhelm.
• Buying “off-the-shelf” kits without customization: These often lack cohesion and fail to serve therapeutic goals.

It’s About Outcomes, Not Aesthetics

A truly therapeutic sensory space doesn’t just look good—it feels right. The outcomes speak for themselves: improved focus, better emotional regulation, reduced outbursts, and more meaningful engagement with the world.

When built with intention, a sensory room becomes more than just a calming place—it becomes a powerful therapeutic environment where individuals can thrive.

In long-term care, especially in dementia-focused units, keeping residents engaged, calm, and connected can be a daily challenge. As cognitive abilities decline, traditional activities may no longer hold attention or bring joy. But technology is opening new doors—literally and figuratively. Sensory environments increasingly play a large role in dementia care.

Interactive projection systems, particularly motion-activated wall or table surfaces like those developed by OM Interactive, are emerging as powerful tools in dementia care. These systems don’t just entertain. They stimulate cognition, support emotional well-being, and give caregivers new ways to connect with residents in meaningful, low-pressure ways.

At SensoryOne, we understands varied populations our clients work with, in particular dementia and senior care homes. Let’s discover, together, the ideal technologies and apparatus to help your patients thrive. Call today.

What Is an Interactive Projection System?

Interactive projection systems use overhead projectors and sensors to create dynamic, touch-responsive visual displays on surfaces like tables, floors, or walls. The system detects hand or body movement, triggering animations, sounds, and changes in response.

For example, a resident can “push” a pile of autumn leaves, catch floating bubbles, or reveal images beneath a digital curtain—all through gentle hand motions. There are no buttons, no remotes—just intuitive interaction.

This simplicity makes the systems accessible to users with physical or cognitive limitations, including many living with dementia.

Why It Matters in Dementia Care

Dementia affects memory, mood, motor skills, and attention. It also impacts how people relate to the world around them—and to others. Activities that once brought joy may now be confusing or overwhelming. As a result, residents often withdraw or become agitated.

Interactive projection offers a different kind of engagement. It’s low-barrier, nonverbal, and flexible—ideal for people who may not be able to follow instructions or sit for long periods.

Proven Benefits for Residents

Research and anecdotal evidence suggest a range of outcomes when interactive projection is integrated into care routines:

1. Cognitive Stimulation

Games that involve sorting, matching, or cause-and-effect interactions help stimulate attention, memory, and executive function. They activate parts of the brain that may otherwise remain underused during passive activities.

2. Emotional Engagement

Many activities incorporate nostalgic themes (like classic images, music, or seasonal visuals), which can help residents access long-term memory and provide emotional grounding.

3. Motor Activity

Even gentle hand or arm movement helps promote circulation, coordination, and muscle engagement. For residents with limited mobility, this is a significant advantage.

4. Social Interaction

Systems like OM Interactive allow for multiple users at once, creating shared experiences. Residents who are often quiet or withdrawn may become talkative or animated while interacting with the table.

5. Reduced Agitation

By redirecting energy and offering soothing or stimulating content, interactive projection can help de-escalate frustration and anxiety—a major benefit in managing dementia-related behaviors.

A New Tool for Caregivers, Too

The impact isn’t limited to residents. Caregivers gain a valuable, low-effort way to connect with those in their care. Activities don’t require extensive prep or facilitation. Instead, they offer a consistent and repeatable method to initiate positive engagement.

Care staff often report that residents seem “more like themselves” when using these tools. There’s room for spontaneous interaction—a shared laugh, a smile, a moment of recognition—that builds trust and connection.

This also supports caregiver well-being, as it reduces stress, improves staff-resident relationships, and introduces moments of joy in what can be a high-pressure environment.

Spotlight: OM Interactive Systems

OM Interactive, a UK-based leader in motion-activated sensory technology, has seen global adoption of its systems in dementia care. Their Mobii table system is especially popular for its flexibility, allowing projection on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, and its library of dementia-friendly content designed with therapists and researchers.

OM systems are now in use across long-term care homes in Canada, offering a practical solution for organizations seeking to improve quality of life through technology. Many homes integrate them into daily or weekly programming, alongside music therapy, art, and exercise.

Backed by Research and Community Impact

Interactive sensory activities are supported by numerous studies and endorsements. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, multisensory stimulation can help reduce agitation, improve mood, and increase alertness in people with dementia. These effects are amplified when the engagement is meaningful and interactive.

OM Interactive systems have also been cited in UK-based studies for improving mood, behavior, and engagement levels in both group and one-on-one settings.

Final Thoughts

Technology will never replace human care. But it can enhance the care experience—for residents, staff, and families. Interactive projection systems aren’t about screen time. They’re about connection, memory, and joy—on residents’ terms.

As long-term care facilities continue to innovate, tools like OM Interactive’s systems represent a step forward in dementia care—one that’s grounded in empathy, backed by research, and driven by real human outcomes.

Classrooms are dynamic environments filled with sounds, movement, bright lights, and constant activity. While many students can adapt to these surroundings, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often struggle to stay engaged and comfortable in traditional learning spaces.

For these students, sensory regulation plays a crucial role in their ability to focus, process information, and feel at ease. Sensory-friendly classrooms can make a significant difference by offering strategic tools and accommodations that support learning and emotional well-being.

Here we explore how sensory challenges impact students, the benefits of sensory-friendly strategies, and practical classroom solutions that help children with autism and ADHD thrive.

How Sensory Challenges Affect Learning

Students with autism and ADHD often experience sensory processing differences, which can make it difficult to concentrate, follow instructions, and participate fully in class.

Some children are hypersensitive to sensory input, meaning they may:

• Feel overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces.
• Struggle with the texture of certain materials or clothing.
• Avoid eye contact or physical touch due to sensory discomfort.

Others are hyposensitive, meaning they may:

• Seek out extra movement or physical stimulation.
• Have difficulty sitting still for long periods.
• Need deep pressure or tactile input to stay focused.

For students with these challenges, traditional classroom environments can lead to frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload, making it harder for them to engage in learning.

The Importance of Sensory-Friendly Classrooms

A sensory-friendly classroom is designed to provide students with the right balance of stimulation and regulation tools, allowing them to stay engaged and comfortable.

Benefits of sensory-friendly environments include:

• Improved focus – Students are less distracted by overwhelming sensory input.
• Reduced anxiety and stress – Calming sensory tools help create a more predictable and structured setting.
• Better classroom participation – When sensory needs are met, students can engage more actively in lessons.
• Fewer behavioral challenges – Providing appropriate sensory outlets reduces frustration and restlessness.

Classrooms that integrate sensory-friendly tools, like those offered by SensoryOne, can help students with autism and ADHD regulate their environment and stay engaged in learning.

Sensory Solutions for the Classroom

1. Flexible Seating and Movement Options

Many students with ADHD and autism benefit from movement, which helps them stay alert and engaged. Instead of forcing students to remain seated in traditional chairs, consider alternative seating options:

• Wobble stools or balance cushions allow movement without disruption.
• Standing desks provide an outlet for students who struggle with prolonged sitting.
• Rocking chairs offer gentle movement that can have a calming effect.

2. Fidget Tools and Tactile Input

Fidget tools provide students with a way to self-regulate through touch and movement without becoming distracted from their work.

• Stress balls, fidget spinners, or textured objects offer tactile stimulation.
• Weighted lap pads provide deep pressure input, which can have a calming effect.
• Tactile-friendly classroom materials, such as textured pencil grips, help support fine motor skills.

3. Sensory Break Areas

A quiet corner or sensory retreat space allows students to step away from overwhelming stimuli when needed. This space can include:

• Soft seating or bean bags for relaxation.
• Noise-reducing headphones for students sensitive to sound.
• Weighted blankets or compression vests for calming deep pressure input.

4. Visual Supports and Lighting Adjustments

Many students with sensory processing challenges struggle with bright fluorescent lights or visual clutter. Strategies to help include:

• Dimmable lighting or soft-colored lamps to create a calmer environment.
• Visual schedules and picture-based instructions to support routine and predictability.
• Desk dividers or privacy folders to help students minimize distractions.

5. Structured Routines and Predictability

Children with autism thrive on structure and routine, so providing clear expectations and predictable transitions can ease anxiety and improve focus.

• Use visual timers to help students manage time transitions.
• Provide consistent classroom schedules with minimal surprises.
• Offer sensory-friendly transition activities, such as deep breathing exercises before changing tasks.

6. Encouraging Movement Breaks

Short, structured movement breaks throughout the day help students with ADHD and sensory needs reset their focus. These can include:

• Stretching or yoga exercises.
• Short walks around the classroom.
• Desk-based movement activities, like chair push-ups.

Implementing Sensory Strategies in Schools

Creating a sensory-friendly classroom does not require a complete overhaul—small changes can have a significant impact.

Step 1: Assess Student Needs

Every child is different, so observing behaviors and discussing needs with parents, occupational therapists, and special education staff can guide the best approach.

Step 2: Introduce Tools Gradually

Start by integrating one or two sensory-friendly elements and adjust based on student responses.

Step 3: Provide Choice and Flexibility

Some students may need fidget tools, while others benefit from quiet areas. Offering multiple options ensures each child receives the support they need.

Step 4: Educate and Normalize Sensory Tools

Teaching all students about sensory differences encourages acceptance and inclusivity in the classroom.

Sensory Elements in Classrooms are Essential

For students with autism and ADHD, sensory-friendly classrooms can make a world of difference in their ability to focus, participate, and thrive. By incorporating movement-friendly seating, fidget tools, quiet retreat areas, and structured routines, educators can create an environment that supports self-regulation and learning success.

Whether it’s through alternative seating, sensory tools, or structured routines, providing the right accommodations helps ensure that every student can reach their full potential in the classroom.

Creating a sensory room can be life-changing for individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and cognitive challenges. These specialized spaces provide therapeutic benefits in schools, healthcare settings, and community centers. However, funding a sensory room can be a challenge, particularly for organizations working within tight budgets. Fortunately, there are various grants, subsidies, and strategic budgeting options that can help turn your vision into reality.

Did you know? At Sensory One, we help schools, therapy centers, and long-term care facilities design fully customized sensory spaces that fit their budget. We specialize in designing customized sensory environments that meet a variety of needs and budgets. Explore our range of sensory wall panels and interactive projection systems to find the perfect solution for your space.

Understanding the Costs of a Sensory Room

The cost of a sensory room varies widely depending on its size, the type of equipment used, and whether you require custom installation. A basic setup might include soft seating, tactile panels, and calming lights, while more advanced rooms feature interactive projection technology, bubble tubes, and multisensory walls.

• Basic sensory corner: $2,000 – $5,000
• Mid-range sensory room: $5,000 – $15,000
• Advanced multisensory environment: $15,000+

While these numbers may seem daunting, multiple funding sources can help cover the cost. Below are some of the best strategies to secure financial support.

1. Government Grants & Funding Programs

Government grants in both the USA and Canada are among the best sources of funding for sensory rooms, particularly for schools, non-profits, and healthcare facilities. Some programs to explore include:

• U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grants: Schools can access funding under IDEA for special education programs, including sensory spaces.
• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants: Provides funding for projects that enhance accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. (USA)
• The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Grants: Supports schools and organizations providing sensory resources for children with autism. (USA)
• Kaboom! Play Everywhere Challenge: Offers funding for play spaces, which can include sensory-friendly environments for children. (USA)
• Canada Student Well-Being Initiatives: Many provincial governments offer funding for inclusive education and mental health support in schools. Check with your provincial Ministry of Education.
• Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF): This grant supports non-profits that enhance community well-being, including sensory spaces.
• Jordan’s Principle: This Canadian federal initiative provides funding for First Nations children to access health and education services, including sensory resources.

To maximize your chances of approval, tailor your grant application to highlight how the sensory room will meet specific needs within your community.

2. Corporate and Private Grants

Many businesses and private organizations support initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion. Some options to explore, both in the USA and Canada, include:

• Walmart Foundation – Provides local community grants for educational and accessibility-focused projects.
• Target Foundation – Supports initiatives in education, childhood development, and community wellness.
• Bank of America Charitable Foundation – Funds projects that enhance community well-being, including sensory-friendly spaces.
• The Home Depot Foundation – Offers grants to organizations improving accessibility in schools and healthcare settings.
• Lowe’s Hometown Program – Provides grants for community improvement projects, including sensory room installations.
• The Rick Hansen Foundation: Offers funding for accessibility projects that improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. (Canada)
• Local Credit Unions & Banks: Many financial institutions have community investment programs that provide funding for educational and healthcare initiatives.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs: Large companies like Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program and TD Bank’s Community Giving often support projects that enhance child development and accessibility.

3. Fundraising & Community Support

Hosting fundraising events can be a great way to gather support from the local community. Here are some effective ideas:

• Crowdfunding Campaigns: Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter can help raise awareness and collect donations for your sensory room project.
• Charity Events: Host a silent auction, trivia night, or community fun run with proceeds going toward your sensory room.
• Partnerships with Local Businesses: Approach local companies for sponsorships in exchange for recognition within the sensory room.

4. School and Health Care Funding Sources

If you are a school or healthcare facility, additional funding opportunities may be available:

• Special Education Budgets: Many schools have designated budgets for assistive technology and learning environments. A well-researched proposal can help allocate funds to a sensory room.
• Hospital & Healthcare Grants: Healthcare institutions may access funding through provincial health ministries or charitable hospital foundations.
• Insurance & Health Benefits: Some insurance plans cover sensory equipment under medical necessity for individuals with sensory processing disorders.

5. Smart Budgeting Strategies

If grant applications take time, consider budget-friendly ways to create a sensory space:

• Start Small: Begin with a sensory corner that can be expanded over time as more funds become available.
• Choose Multi-Functional Equipment: Opt for items like interactive projectors that offer a variety of engagement options in one system.
• Buy in Phases: Instead of purchasing everything at once, plan phased installations to spread costs over time.

Bringing Your Sensory Room to Life

Funding a sensory room requires persistence and creativity, but with the right approach, it is entirely possible. Whether through grants, corporate sponsors, or community fundraising, financial resources are available to support your project.

For more resources on grant/funding support programs and designing sensory rooms, contact us at SensoryOne.

For many individuals—especially those with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or autism—staying focused in a busy world can be difficult. Sensory input, such as light, sound, textures, or movement, can either be overwhelming or insufficient, leading to distractibility, anxiety, or restlessness.

Sensory regulation refers to the brain’s ability to process and respond appropriately to sensory input, allowing individuals to stay calm, engaged, and focused. When sensory needs are met, children and adults can perform better in school, work, and daily life.

Here we explore how sensory regulation works, the science behind it, and how sensory tools can help improve focus and self-regulation.

What is Sensory Regulation?

Sensory regulation is the body’s way of managing the information it receives from the environment. The nervous system constantly processes sensory input from sights, sounds, textures, smells, and movement, allowing individuals to react appropriately.

For many people, this process happens naturally. However, for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, the brain may either:

• Over-respond (hypersensitive), leading to sensory overload, anxiety, or avoidance of stimuli.
• Under-respond (hyposensitive), causing a need for extra movement, touch, or stimulation to stay engaged.

When sensory input is not well-regulated, it can lead to difficulty focusing, emotional outbursts, or physical discomfort.

The Science Behind Sensory Tools and Focus

Research in occupational therapy and neuroscience has shown that sensory input directly impacts attention and emotional regulation.

Movement-based input (vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation) has been found to:

• Calm the nervous system by reducing anxiety and hyperactivity.
• Improve focus through tactile and deep pressure input.
• Support executive function by enhancing working memory and cognitive flexibility.

Studies show that providing the right sensory input can significantly improve focus and engagement, particularly in children with ADHD and individuals on the autism spectrum.

Products like those offered by SensoryOne help individuals regulate sensory input, allowing them to stay engaged and focused without becoming overstimulated or restless.

Sensory Tools That Help with Focus

Sensory tools provide the input needed to support regulation and maintain attention. Different types of sensory tools address over- and under-responsiveness, depending on an individual’s needs.

Tactile Sensory Tools (Touch-Based Regulation)

Touch-based sensory tools provide deep pressure, texture, or fidget input to help individuals stay engaged.

• Fidget tools, such as stress balls or textured objects, help release excess energy.
• Weighted blankets and lap pads provide deep pressure to calm the nervous system and improve focus.
• Tactile surfaces, like textured seat cushions or sensory brushes, offer needed touch input.

Vestibular and Proprioceptive Tools (Movement-Based Regulation)

Movement-based sensory input helps individuals who seek physical stimulation or need help feeling grounded.

• Sensory swings provide rhythmic motion that calms the nervous system.
• Balance cushions engage core muscles and help with alertness.
• Rocking chairs or wobble stools allow movement without disrupting focus.

Auditory and Visual Sensory Tools

For individuals sensitive to sound or visual distractions, the right sensory tools can help minimize overstimulation.

• Noise-canceling headphones reduce distractions in loud environments.
• Soft lighting or tinted lenses prevent overstimulation from harsh fluorescent lights.
• Calming sound machines provide background noise to promote focus.

Sensory Strategies for Different Environments

At School

Students with sensory processing challenges often struggle in traditional classroom settings, where noise, movement, and visual distractions can be overwhelming. Sensory tools help students:

• Stay seated and engaged during lessons.
• Take sensory breaks to reset focus.
• Use fidgets or weighted lap pads to maintain attention.

At Work

Adults with sensory sensitivities may face challenges in open office spaces, bright lights, or noisy environments. Simple sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, discreet fidget tools, or ergonomic seating can improve focus and productivity.

At Home

Creating a sensory-friendly environment at home can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Soft lighting, calming textures, and sensory swings can provide the input needed to stay relaxed and engaged.

How to Choose the Right Sensory Tools

Choosing the right sensory tools depends on individual needs and sensory preferences. Consider the following:

• Does the individual seek or avoid sensory input? Someone who seeks movement may benefit from rocking chairs, while someone sensitive to touch may prefer weighted products.
• What environment will the tools be used in? Classrooms, offices, and home environments require different strategies.
• Does the individual have specific triggers? Identifying overstimulating factors (e.g., bright lights, loud noises) helps in selecting the best sensory tools.

Sensory Regulation for Greater Well Being

Sensory regulation is essential for maintaining focus, emotional balance, and daily functioning. By understanding how the brain processes sensory input and using the right sensory tools, individuals can improve their ability to concentrate, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being.

Whether at school, work, or home, sensory tools provide the support needed to stay engaged, calm, and focused, helping individuals with sensory processing challenges thrive.