When building a sensory room for children there are a wide variety of items that you can include that will help engage, relax, destress and stimulate. One such tool is an interactive sensory projector system. This modern technology can help children interact with and learn from their environment through exploration, movement and collaboration. The rewards that children of all ages, abilities and sensory needs can experience from using a gaming sensory room will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

At SensoryOne, we offer OM Interactive sensory projector systems across North America. Our experts will review applications and games suitable for your intended group – ideal for children and elderly groups.

Many benefits of a sensory projector system

Sensory projectors are a relatively new technology that blend visual cues with physical engagement in order to create a beneficial sensory environment that is catered towards the individuals looking to use it.

Stimulate the brain and body

The images, programs and games projected on an interactive projector encourage children to both physically and mentally engage with the experience. With a responsive system that responds to all movements big and small, kids will quickly learn the effect that their participation can have on their surroundings.

Encourages learning

A sensory projector system makes learning fun, even for children who struggle with learning delays, disabilities and differences.

Improves socialization

Projector systems encourage children to work together in order to engage with whatever image is being displayed. Multiplayer games and team challenges encourage kids to socialize and play together to reach a common goal.

Encourages both independent and collaborative play

The interesting and immersive games and activities can be catered to both individuals and groups of kids.

Geared towards engaging atypical and special needs children

With a variety of different activities and programs available, sensory room leaders can cater the offerings to the children they would like to entertain and engage.

Benefits mental and emotional health

Having a space in which they feel comfortable and accepted can help children to gain a sense of belonging and improved self-worth. This can lead to improved moods and increased emotional stability.

Benefits of creating a gaming sensory room for high child engagement

A gaming sensory room often involves using an interactive projector to create a stimulating and immersive experience that will have many positive effects on the day to day lives of those using it. A gaming sensory room has many benefits for its visitors including:

• Stimulates the imagination
• Encourages children of various abilities and backgrounds to work and play together
• Calls for active participation
• Promotes physical and mental development
• Improves language and communication skills
• Provides engaging and stimulating content
• Promotes the development of problem-solving and collaboration skills
• Allows children to control their immediate environment and experience instant rewards
• Offers opportunities for socialization that are specific to each child’s abilities
• Improves gross and fine motor skills
• Encourages families to play together and get to know each others needs, without pressure
• Can offer both calming or stimulating activities

OMi projection systems are a winning choice

The OMi brand of projection system offers a variety of options that are easily adapted to the space being used, and the people looking to use it. The incredibly responsive projections are perfect for both groups and individuals of all ages and abilities. With built-in applications and themed suites of games and programs, the OMi system is an excellent option for those looking to build a sensory gaming room.

Depending on the area you are looking to outfit with a projection system, you have a few options to choose from:

OmiVista

Available in both mounted and portable models, the omiVista projects images onto horizontal surfaces like floors and tables. Choose the Install Interactive model if you intend to mount the projector to the ceiling and won’t be moving it around. The Mobii Magic Surface is the most versatile model available as it can be moved around as needed and can even project onto small spaces like beds and tray tables.

OmiReflex

The omiReflex is also available in mounted and portable models, however this version projects onto vertical surfaces like walls and drop-down screens. This model can allow users to upload their own sounds, images and videos which brings in another level of interaction for the user. Another interesting benefit to the mobile version of the Reflex, the Mobile Interactive model, is that it can connect to game consoles like Apple TV, Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect.

OmiSky

As you may guess from the name, the omiSky projects onto the ceiling. Installed on a wall, this model projects a mirror image of the users on the ground onto the ceiling, while an app projects an image alongside them. Kids are then able to interact with the projection while looking up from a comfortable seated or laying position.

An interactive gaming room is the ultimate sensory tool

For those children who will benefit from using a sensory room, an interactive gaming room is the next level of support. A projection system can help both children and adults overcome many challenges, while engaging in their world in a manner that they feel comfortable with.

When you are creating a sensory space, it may initially feel overwhelming to decide which pieces of equipment are going to suit your needs the best. While you can often put together your ideal space on your own there’s usually a benefit to enlisting the help of a professional.

There are many sensory room equipment service providers to be found online, however it can be difficult to choose which one will be the most helpful to you. With so many options for what to include in your space, choosing a company that can help walk you through the process and make some personalized suggestions will make everything feel so much easier.

Factors to consider when choosing a Sensory Room Equipment Service Provider

At SensoryOne, we’re more than a sensory room equipment company. We provide expert guidance for clients in all settings as part of our service. It’s not the right sensory environment for your setting if it’s not customized for you. Let’s plan together!

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a business to help you set up your sensory space. A sensory room equipment service provider will pride themselves on their ability to provide you with the tools to create a top-notch space that suits your needs. When you start the search for the best consultant for the task, these are the top factors to consider.

The range of equipment they have available

A sensory room service provider should have a wide variety of equipment available to choose from when designing your sensory space. A range of products that includes sensory and tactile walls, interactive panels, bubble tubes, fiber optic lighting systems, mobile units and technology-based activities can all help you create the perfect sensory space for your home.

Their ability to incorporate technology

It’s no secret that technology is an invaluable addition to a sensory space. An equipment provider should demonstrate comfort in recommending and explaining technological tools like an OM Interactive projection system and a Broomx virtual reality system. Including one or several of these features in your sensory space will have many positive effects for visitors to your sensory room.

Offers a good variety of tactile options

Some of the most common features in a sensory space are tactile ones. Equipment that offers a variety of different tactile opportunities is most likely to help calm, re-center and engage a visitor to a sensory room. Because of this, an equipment provider that offers a wide variety of options including tactile walls, panels, murals, tiles and toys is sure to be able to help you create the most useful and beneficial space possible.

Personal service is provided for project management

While you can certainly go through the steps to create a sensory space on your own, one mark of a top sensory equipment service provider is their ability to provide personal assistance. Having a representative to talk to about the different options and help you decide which pieces would work best for your needs will help ensure that everything you choose will go to good use.

Ability to stay within your budget

A significant part of any project is the budget that comes with it. A sensory equipment provider that can help you outfit your sensory space while sticking within your budget displays that they care about your experience and needs.

An interest in innovation

As the understanding of the kind of people who benefit from sensory spaces increases, so too does the innovation of what kind of equipment might be included. An equipment provider that expresses an interest in discovering the latest trends, technologies and innovations is a great resource for you. This interest in innovation shows that their offerings will be up to date and include a wide variety of equipment options.

Flexibility to work with the space you have available

A great sensory equipment provider will be able to work with you to create a useful sensory space in whatever kind of area you have available. Whether you are able to dedicate an entire room to the effort, are outfitting a small piece of a larger room or are looking for a mobile cart that can be moved to wherever it is needed, a sensory equipment provider will be able to assist in choosing the right items.

A great sensory space involves expert support

When you decide to create a sensory space, you are showing that you care about the individual or group of people who are going to be using the space. Therefore, it makes sense that you should choose a sensory room equipment service provider that is going to offer you the same care and support.

When you do find this equipment provider, you’ll be able to look to them for guidance in creating the best sensory space you possibly can, within the parameters you have available. Your budget, available space and the needs of your intended users will all play a role in how your sensory space will turn out. Whether you include technology like an interactive projector or virtual reality machine or opt for more tactile options, an equipment service provider will be happy to walk you through the options.

As we learn more about the struggles and characteristics involved with an autism spectrum diagnosis, a number of different related disorders are getting identified as well. One such category of disorders has been aptly named Sensory Processing Disorders. This grouping of symptoms can be quite a struggle for many people, both caregivers and those that have been diagnosed, especially when it isn’t all that clear what the disorder actually involves.

However, sensory processing disorders are extremely common, especially among those who have been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

What is a sensory processing disorder?

A sensory processing disorder, or SPD, is a common condition that many kids and adults experience. It is characterized by the brain’s inability to process sensory inputs. In simple terms, this means that a person with SPD will struggle to receive and respond to senses like sight, sound and smell. In some cases, this means that someone might be oversensitive to sensory experiences in their world, while in other cases someone else may be insensitive to the same stimuli.

At SensoryOne, our sensory environment designs specialists help you determine the best sensory equipment and layout or users with sensory processing issues, frequently those with Autism. Let us help!

Although sensory processing disorders are mostly commonly identified in children, many adults also struggle with them. SPDs are often experienced by those who are on the autism spectrum, however these two disorders are not mutually exclusive. Like autism, SPDs are usually experienced on a spectrum so there is no obvious and direct point of diagnosis.

Some common characteristics of sensory processing disorder may include:

• Incoordination and lack of balance
• Difficulty in engaging the individual in conversation
• Over stimulation: sounds are too loud, rooms are too bright, clothes are irritating or too tight
• Under stimulation: can’t sit still, thrill seeking
• Issues with food textures
• Don’t respond well to sudden movements, sounds, touches or smells
• Increased behaviour concerns
• Poor motor skills
• Reduced muscle tone
• May exhibit language delays
• Doesn’t pick up on social cues

Many benefits to a sensory room or space

A sensory space has many benefits for people of all ages, especially for those who may be dealing with some level of a sensory processing disorder. The ability to spend time in a space that offers a wide variety of sensory opportunities can help make living with a sensory processing disorder more manageable.

It can help improve socialization

Some children with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, struggle with interacting with their peers and teachers. The ability to retreat into a safe space with controlled sounds, interactions and activities can provide a sense of safety and allow visitors to socialize on their own terms. This opportunity to control sensory input can help those with an SPD to evaluate their surroundings and learn how to accept more social opportunities, even outside of the room.

Can promote cognitive development

An important aspect of cognitive development is the ability to explore the principles of cause and effect through play. Hands on exploration and experimentation encourages both kids and adults to problem solve in order to learn about their world and how to interact with it.

Improve motor skills

It’s not uncommon for coordination skills such as those needed to hold a pencil, tie a shoe, button a shirt or walk and talk at the same time to develop more slowly in people with autism or sensory processing disorders. A sensory room can offer visitors an opportunity to work on many different kinds of motor skills without the pressures of a highly stimulating environment.

They encourage visitors to feel calm

For someone with a sensory processing disorder, the world we live in can be an intense, stressful and highly stimulating place. A sensory room or space can help them to combat this overstimulation in a way that gives them the stimulation that they need.

It encourages the development of underused senses

People with a sensory processing disorder tend to spend more time relying on selective senses and almost hiding others. A multi-sensory room can provide a safe space for them to explore and experiment with their less favoured senses.

Helps teach coping skills

When overwhelmed with sensory input, it can be difficult to respond and cope in the moment. A sensory room is the perfect testing space for someone with SPD to figure out what works for them in order to mitigate these feelings of overwhelm. A sensory space is also the perfect place to try out and experiment with new sensory experiences.

A sensory processing disorder is manageable, if you know what you’re dealing with

Before a person gets diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder their behaviour may seem puzzling and even frustrating. However, once you’ve taken the time to get a diagnosis and are able to attribute symptoms to their cause, it becomes easier to understand. The average person who doesn’t have any SPDs of their own may be tempted to showcase impatience when faced with the wide variety of symptoms, however that just makes things tough on everyone involved. Incorporating a sensory room or space into the lives of anyone diagnosed with autism or a sensory processing disorder can help visitors learn many skills that will help them in their day to day lives.

A sensory room is a therapeutic space for people of all ages to enjoy and use. These rooms and spaces incorporate a number of different tools or aspects that can help an individual to feel more calm, less distracted, better able to communicate and overall, less anxious and stressed. They can also help to mitigate negative behaviours that may be common with some people, often school-aged children.

The equipment used in a sensory room can vary quite a bit from one room to the next, depending on how much space is available for the sensory room and what the needs are of the primary person using it. Whether you are looking at creating a mobile sensory cart or station or are able to convert an entire room to the idea, the intentions behind the equipment will be similar.

Top equipment for creating a sensory room or space

At SensoryOne, we provide no-fee design consultation services so clients can build the sensory space that is best suited to them. Whether for autistic individuals, seniors or an elementary school setting, let’s think through the design and equipment right for you.

When creating a sensory space, one of the first steps you should take is to decide how much space you’ll have to work with. If you only have a small corner in a room or a mobile cart to deck out, the equipment you’ll look for will vary in comparison to if you have a whole room. Regardless of how much space you have, creating a sensory room will have significant benefits for both children and adults.

Tactile equipment

Having items that a person can touch is essential in a sensory space. Try to include a variety of different touch experiences such as soft sponges, prickly pinecones, gooey silly putty or slime, kinetic sand, finger paints and squishy balls. Any item that offers an unusual tactile experience can be perfect for a sensory room. If you have space to play with, consider installing a tactile wall mural or panel. These tools are often done for you so there’s no need to go searching for items that might fit the bill.

A tactile wall mural, tile or panel features a variety of textures, colours and styles and will double as fun artwork for the space. These pieces can be mounted on a wide variety of surfaces, allowing you to customize the sensory space you are creating.

Calming equipment

One of the most common uses of a sensory room is to help visitors calm down and relax. Equipment like dim lights, fiber optic lighting, and gentle music are all soothing for those in the sensory room.

Fiber optic lights are a common choice for anyone creating a sensory room. These lights are often included in string form to offer both tactile and visual stimulation, allowing anyone in the room to benefit from their inclusion in multiple ways. Handling these lights is safe and visitors will often feel calmer and more relaxed after being exposed to them.

Bubble tubes and walls are another great way to provide calming visuals along with a relaxing vibration.

Auditory and visual equipment

A sensory room that allows users to focus on certain senses while reducing the stimulation from others will help them to relax and calm down. Sensory room equipment like a projector or a speaker playing their chosen video, music or sounds can significantly benefit a visitor, particularly those who struggle with processing disorders.

Mobile sensory carts

If space is a concern or you have an individual that would benefit from the ability to bring their sensory space with them, a mobile sensory cart is the perfect option. Whether you’re interested in a ready-made kit or want to design your own, a mobile sensory cart has everything that a sensory room could have, but in a compact and portable cart. This cart can be moved from one space to another allowing the sensory space to move with the user.

Interactive technology is worth the investment

With a very interactive space like a sensory room, it’s no surprise that there are some pieces of technology that will be beneficial. Immersive experiences like virtual reality and interactive projectors are an excellent way to customize the sensory room experience for anyone interested in using them. These interactive and portable technologies are very effective tools for creating both stimulating and calming effects in a wide variety of settings and spaces. A sensory room that includes one or both of these tools will benefit anyone who uses them in a number of different ways.

Sensory room equipment can vary greatly

The best thing about creating a sensory room is that there is no single right way to do it. The best sensory room spaces are created with your client audience in mind. With a wide variety of potential users, completely unique space options and an endless list of equipment choices, no two sensory rooms will ever be alike. After you’ve taken some time to evaluate the needs of those who will be using the space and consider what kind of area you’ll be making use of, you can then narrow down exactly what kind of equipment you want to include in your sensory room.

Sensory rooms are becoming much more commonplace in schools and homes. However, sensory spaces are not just for children. In fact, they are equally in demand in adult service settings.

These sensory-focused spaces offer significant benefits to a range of neurologically atypical people. Spaces often include a variety of sensory-stimulating objects such as lights, colorful items, things that make sounds, carefully chosen aromas and other different objects.

Which individuals will benefit from a sensory room?

Although it could be argued that everyone could benefit from a sensory room experience, there are people with a number of different conditions that will find these spaces especially helpful. They include:

• Anyone with a cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The world can be a very intimidating place for someone going through the changes that dementia can bring. A sensory room can help ease those struggles by providing a calm and kind space to relax in.
• In acute or long-term-care homes and units. Sensory rooms in these settings can be helpful during a crisis situation that needs de-escalation or prevention.
• In mental health clinics. Spaces where patients can immerse in a therapeutic and stimulantfree environment can be beneficial to the therapy.
• Those with vision, hearing or other sensory impairments. A dark room can be soothing for someone who struggles with vision loss or impairment while interactive activities can help deaf people hone their other senses.  
• Those with developmental disabilities, A well-designed sensory room will provide many opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.
• People with learning difficulties. Offering adults a space where they can take a break from their required activities and focus on learning in a manner that makes sense to them and doesn’t stress them out can help improve learning in their day-to-day lives

Benefits of a sensory room to adults

There are a number of benefits that adults will find when they get the opportunity to experience a sensory space:

Stimulation of the senses

A sensory room is designed to help users focus on and engage with their senses. Spending time in a quiet space that offers activities that they can engage with and explore can help an individual to better understand and interact with their environment outside of the sensory room.

The world is a very stimulating place and allowing an adult to control how much stimulation they get while in the sensory room can carry over some skills in how to manage those moments in the outside world.

Improve and develop communication skills

Some adults have a difficult time communicating both verbally and non-verbally. This is especially true for those with autism. A sensory room that provides interactive activities can help these individuals learn skills that will help them engage and communicate with their peers.

Reduce stress

The world can be quite overwhelming, stressful and unpredictable for an average person. Add to that a neurodivergent disorder and they could easily end up extremely stressed out and unsure of how to deal with it. The ability to spend time in a sensory room can allow the individual to immerse in a very low-stress, safe and controlled space, making the rest of the world easier to deal with when they rejoin it.

Improve ability to focus

Disorders like ADHD can make it difficult for some people to focus on tasks they are working on during the day. A sensory room that has various activities can help an individual to learn concentration skills that will help them to focus on tasks and improve those skills outside of the sensory room.

 Encourage socialization

While a person might struggle to reach out and find common ground with some of the people around them each day, a sensory room can help encourage them to socialize on their terms. Many activities in sensory rooms can be enjoyed both alone and in groups. Allowing visitors to enjoy activities in a safe and stress-free environment can make it easier for them to interact with their peers.

Provide mental and physical relaxation 

Even for individuals without a diagnosed issue, a sensory room can provide them a needed space in which to relax. Whether they’re in the midst of a hard work day, are dealing with a difficult situation in their personal life or are experiencing some sort of physical ailment, the calming effects of a sensory room can provide a necessary break.

Improve creativity

The opportunity to immerse in a space that has no expectations can encourage an individual’s creativity to flourish. Providing activities that will allow the user to engage, explore and have fun can stimulate areas of the brain that spark its creativity.

Sensory rooms in adult-care settings are vital

Although sensory rooms are often thought to be for children, adults who struggle in any aspect of their lives can experience the benefit of sensory rooms. For adults with diagnosed disorders, a sensory room can provide a therapeutic environment in which to work on some specific goals, while others may simply enjoy the ability to disconnect from the pressures of life in a safe and calm space.