Creating a Mobile Sensory Room (on a Budget)

Create a mobile sensory room with a sensory card

Creating a mobile sensory room is possible, and the best way to do so may be to invest in a sensory cart.

What is a sensory cart?

Simply, it’s a mobile cart or trolley that contains items or tools designed to stimulate the senses. In particular, the senses of sight, hearing touch and even smell.

It can also be used as a mechanism to calm or otherwise occupy children, or adults, that suffer from conditions that benefit from such therapy.

For example, a sensory cart in a classroom for children with special needs may include items such as textured materials, colorful lights, scented items, and sound-producing objects. The purpose of the cart would be to provide sensory stimulation for the students, which can help them focus, relax, or engage in their learning.

It’s also possible that “sensory cart” could refer to a specific type of technology or equipment used in the context of sensory processing or rehabilitation.

Sensory carts are often used in educational or therapeutic settings to provide sensory input to individuals with sensory processing difficulties or sensory integration issues. These may include individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Sensory carts may contain a wide range of items or tools that are intended to stimulate the senses. Some common items that might be included in a sensory cart include:

  • Textured materials such as sand, water beads, or slime
  • Visual aids such as kaleidoscopes or light-up toys
  • Sound-producing objects such as musical instruments or noise-making toys
  • Scented items such as essential oils or scented playdough
  • Tactile objects such as fidget toys or stress balls

The specific items included in a sensory cart will depend on the individual needs of the person or group using it. For example, a sensory cart used in a classroom for children with autism might include items that help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, such as weighted blankets or calming music.

Overall, the goal of a sensory cart is to provide individuals with sensory input that can help them regulate their emotions, improve their attention and focus, and enhance their overall sensory experience.

Sensory Carts Can Be Cost Effective

The cost of a sensory cart can vary widely depending on the specific items included and the quality of the materials used. Some sensory carts are relatively simple and inexpensive to put together, while others may require more specialized equipment or materials.

In general, the cost of a sensory cart may be offset by the benefits it provides to individuals with sensory processing difficulties or sensory integration issues. For example, a sensory cart in a classroom setting may help students with special needs to better engage in learning activities and reduce disruptive behaviors, which can have a positive impact on their academic progress.

Furthermore, in some cases, sensory carts may be eligible for funding or support through grants, donations, or other sources of financial assistance. For example, a school district or non-profit organization may be able to obtain funding for sensory equipment or therapy services through government grants or private foundations.

Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness of a sensory cart will depend on the specific circumstances and needs of the individuals using it. However, many educators, therapists, and parents have found that sensory carts can be a valuable tool for promoting sensory development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being in individuals with sensory processing difficulties.

Consider if a Sensory Cart is a Solution for You

For ease of movement across spaces and rooms (and budget considerations), sensory carts may be the answer for your education, health care setting or even for home use.

Build the best sensory spaces: Tips from the pros

Sensory spaces can be of huge help to a range of people with sensory-processing difficulties, from young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to older adults with dementia.

How to build the best sensory rooms? If you’re looking for some smart suggestions, we can recommend one great resource full of savvy tips from experts in the field.

From clear explanations of sensory sensitivities to sound advice on what to include and exclude in sensory spaces, click here to read what a range of pros recommend. (Scroll down to read the contribution from SensoryOne!)

How Much Does a Custom Sensory Room Cost?

Sensory Room Cost Design

When deciding whether to build a sensory room there is one question that will likely be at the top of your list to ask: how much will it cost? Further, what equipment is needed? There is no one answer to these questions! The costs of a sensory room are largely based on what kind of equipment you include and the size of space you are coordinating, so you’ll often be able to adjust the cost to fit within your budget needs.

At SensoryOne, we realize no two clients have the same needs. From space dimensions, target group needs, to budgets – we build sensory rooms to suit. Importantly, our sensory space design services are complementary. Get your design today!

The cost can vary considerably

From a few hundred to several thousand, the cost of a custom sensory room varies widely depending on several factors. The cost of building a sensory room will vary quite a bit depending on what tools, equipment, toys and furniture you’d like to include in it.  As well, the size of the room, the materials used, the complexity of the equipment and technology, and the location of the project will all play a significant role in the cost. On average, the cost can range from $5,000 to $100,000 or more.

Sensory room design experts can make a difference

Choosing a service provider that is willing to work with you in order to create the perfect sensory space for your needs can make all the difference. They are better able to understand the needs of your intended users, and are able to recommend tools and equipment that will suit your goals.

Once you’ve decided on kind of the space you’re dedicating to your sensory room, a service provider can use this information to provide a more accurate quote before you get started. They will also offer you advice on how to design the space for optimal usability. This support can help you form a plan, keeping your budget and wants in mind.

Interactive technology is a worthwhile addition

Interactive technology tools like virtual realty games and interactive projectors systems can really elevate your sensory room. Although they can end up adding costs to the project, the investment is well worth it. The more activities and games that you include in your sensory room, the longer kids will be engaged during their visits.

There are a variety of interactive tools that you could include in your space, including:

Virtual reality systems – The Broomx projector turns an entire room into an immersive experience, without needing a bulky headset or other equipment.

Interactive projectors – The OMI interactive projector takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey through a variety of games and visual adventures.

A projector system – The Budii projector system is a tabletop or floor projector that invites users to play games and interact with the projected images. These are excellent for at-home, residential use.

Sensory carts are a budget-minded option

If budget and space are a concern, creating a sensory cart is a great option to start with. These portable units take up less space and can have a much lower initial cost, while still offering a sensory experience to settings that may benefit from one. With the ability to include a projector, virtual reality system and other interactive and technology-based tools, a sensory cart can provide sensory engagement even with a smaller budget.

Set a budget before you start

When building a sensory room, the costs can vary quite a bit based on the tools and equipment you install, the space you have to fill, and the design elements you want to include. From hundreds of dollars to well into the thousands, there is no limit to what you can invest into your sensory space. Including more expensive options like a projector or virtual reality can boost your budget while providing more activities for visitors, while forgoing these activity centers can keep costs lower. Deciding ahead of time how much you’d like to spend can help your sensory room be the best it can be.

Creating a sensory room can provide immeasurable benefits

The benefits that a sensory room can have for people who are experiencing sensory overload are numerous. The ability to take a time out from a stressful situation can help both kids and adults to manage their emotions and regain control.

The cost of creating a sensory room can vary significantly for multiple reasons. If budget is a concern, you can always start smaller and relatively low-tech, and build out your space in phases.

Sensory room providers that help you plan your space typically have the in-house expertise, rather than just being equipment resellers. For what may be a project costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, proper expertise and support is imperative.

Dementia: How a Sensory Room Can Promote Patient Wellness

Rooms for Seniors with Dementia

More commonly used in spaces that involve children, sensory rooms are quickly emerging as an effective wellness option for adults dealing with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These sensory-focused spaces can help seniors immerse in a space that suits their needs- whether that be calming or stimulating, and find solace from a world that is becoming increasingly confusing for them.

Benefits of a sensory room for dementia patients

Treatment and coping methods are constantly evolving with diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. As we learn more about them, we become better equipped with ideas for how to live with these diseases and care for those who have them. One of the more recent additions to a care routine is a sensory room or space. There are many benefits to adding a sensory space to a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient’s living area.

1. Reduce anxiety

The many tools and activities in a sensory space can work as a distraction from situations that may induce anxiety. A sensory space is often designed to be calm and relaxing, which also helps reduce anxiety.

2. Provides a safe space to explore

When sensory room tools and activities are chosen carefully, they can help create a space that encourages visitors to explore their interests at will, without worry that they’ll encounter something that may be unsafe.

3. Helps facilitate social interaction

For those living in a care home or facility there may be limited opportunities for social interaction, especially if each tenant is at a different stage of the disease. A sensory space can provide some common ground for patients and help them interact with each other, as well as with their loved ones.

4. Improves patient-caregiver communication and relationships

Observing an individual explore their sensory space can give caregivers a better look at what interests the patient. This will help them form better relationships and gain some insight into tools that can be used when the patient is in need of support. 

5. Helps create calmness, boost moods and increase happiness

The reduction of memory and brain function can create anxiety, stress and unhappiness in anyone dealing with dementia. A sensory space offers these individuals a chance to focus on simple and fun activities rather than the things that they may struggle to do. This diversion can help reduce violent, aggressive and angry outbursts.

6. Boost confidence

People living with dementia often experience a reduced ability to complete tasks independently or take care of themselves. This can lead to a reduction in their confidence. A sensory space that allows for autonomy and self-guided activity can help people with dementia rediscover their confidence and ability to complete targeted tasks.

What to include in a sensory space for dementia patients

The ideas for what to include in a sensory space for dementia patients are endless. Any items that can stimulate one or more of a person’s senses can be incorporated into the space. Some ideas that you can include are:

  • Sensory blankets or pillows – often handmade, these blankets or pillows can be adorned with any kind of tactile items like zippers, buttons, Velcro, fun-feeling fabrics, bright colours, and unique trims.
  • Use soft lighting and music
  • Photo albums
  • Soft seating, pillows and blankets
  • Play old movies, family videos and favourite music
  • Install a projector to provide visual stimulation, games, interactive activities and fun for visitors
  • Incorporate both simple, familiar household items, and some more advanced tools like puzzles and technology-based activities
  • Try to include something that will stimulate each of the senses
  • A Budii Interactive projector for floor or tabletop games and activities
  • Virtual reality technology, especially if the visitors will enjoy the ability to transport virtually to a different setting or location

Sensory rooms are an important part of patient wellness

Creating a sensory space that allows people who are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to immerse in a safe and entertaining environment is a beneficial step in treating and managing the disease. The opportunity to explore and stimulate their senses helps foster positive experiences, improves communication and understanding, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves their ability to focus. Spending time in a sensory space with a loved one or caregiver can help improve relationships and allow for more quality time together, without the stressors of everyday life getting in the way. A sensory room is an ideal part of a healthy wellness routine.

At-Home Sensory Equipment for Special Needs Children

Home Interactive Projector for Special Needs Children Therapy

Creating a sensory space for children with special needs is a growing trend in many different settings. From doctor’s offices to schools, the ability to offer a child that may struggle with sensory issues a place to decompress and focus can improve their experience immensely. Many parents of children with special needs may struggle with knowing what kind of equipment would benefit their child the most, but creating a sensory space at home doesn’t have to be a difficult process.

At-home sensory equipment ideas

At SensoryOne, we provide exclusive sensory room design and equipment to educational, health and care facilities in the USA and Canada. In-home therapy equipment is also available for special needs children and adults.

There are endless options for what kind of equipment is best suited for an at-home sensory space. Whether you are able to dedicate an entire room to your child’s sensory needs or are working with a smaller area, there are many tools that can help create a great experience.

A projector

One of the easiest pieces of equipment to include in a sensory space is a projector. These basic tools can project a variety of lights, stars or scenes onto walls or ceilings, providing a calming distraction from many situations.  

A sensory cart

Ideal for small areas that can’t accommodate a permanent sensory space set up, a sensory cart is a great option. Often portable, this unit can be purchased done-for-you, or can be something you put together yourself with a variety of different sensory activities and toys.

Budii interactive projector

This interactive projector system is very compact and can be set up on a table or ground, and used with little to no adult supervision. The Budii projector is designed to encourage sensory exploration and stimulation while also improving motor skills and communication, as well as reducing anxiety.

Tactile wall panels

Sensory rooms and spaces thrive on encouraging visitors to hone in on specific senses. A tactile wall panel or tile offers kids the ability to focus on the sense of touch, giving their other senses a break. This is especially beneficial if the child with special needs child experiences sensory overload in some situations.

Fun lighting

Bubble tubes, fibre optic lighting and dimmable lights are both fun and functional in a sensory space. Bright lights can often be distracting and too intense for a child with special needs and sensory issues. The ability to reduce the brightness and provide an interactive option can help reduce anxiety, stress and stimulation.

Interactive floor or wall panels

Interactive panels that are installed on a floor or wall allow children to connect, engage and play with an interactive, light up panel that responds to their touches and movements.

A virtual reality system

The Broomx VR system is a fully immersive experience that doesn’t require headsets, making it an excellent option for at home sensory spaces. The video experiences it can project around a room allow the child to fully immerse in a unique setting, encouraging benefits like mood boosts, feelings of relaxation, memory stimulation and increased cognitive function.

The new Budii projector system

budii interactive sensory projector system for home use
The New Budii – At Home Interactive Projector for Children with Special Needs

The Budii interactive projection system turns any table top or floor space into an interactive play area. The ability to use it without the need of a parent or caregiver means that a child can engage with the technology on their own, anytime they’d like.

Some of the benefits of the Budii system include:

  • Offers fun and engaging support to physio and occupational therapy
  • Activities have been created by educational professionals
  • Can help calm children during high sensory experiences like a meltdown
  • Encourages social interaction
  • Can be used without direct parent or caregiver supervision
  • Engaging for kids of any age, both for independent play and while playing with others
  • Sensory activities can be adjusted according to the age and interest level of the child

Creating a sensory focal point

Choosing one central piece of equipment to invest in can help make your job a bit easer. A scalable tool that can grow and adapt with the needs of the child can help your sensory space remain relevant, dynamic and fun, even as the child’s interests change.

Creating a sensory space that can grow and adapt with the child as their interests and needs change can help ensure that they will continue to benefit from its presence. Rather than having to constantly adjust and recreate the space as the child ages, a tool that can grow and adjust with the child’s interests helps keep their sensory space unique and interesting.