OM Interactive’s motion-activated technology is packed full of features that make this interactive device all the more engaging, beneficial and easy to use for seniors, including long-term-care residents and community program participants. To help you better take advantage of all of the system’s compelling features, SensoryOne now offers what we call our “concierge service.” It’s our way of helping you to personalize this technology and package its programming to suit your needs, making no additional work for your already time-crunched staff. While other systems come with a limited number of applications, OMI’s groundbreaking and award-winning technology (including the most popular Mobii Magic Surface model) offers hundreds of applications, ranging from nature interactions to physical agility games, mental stimulation activities to imaginative music content. Also on offer is a “Care Suite” targeted to older adults, including those with dementia. The choice is huge, but the system offers the ability to sift through the applications to create different “folders” of pre-set programming that may be targeted to individuals or groups of users, or types of activities.   For instance, you could create a folder full of popular “splat” games that are fun, engaging and encourage strong social connections.  Or maybe you want to trigger memories for a particular user. You could create a folder including photos of that person’s family and friends, fellow residents and staff, special celebrations attended and familiar local landmarks. Such therapeutic content brings many positive emotional benefits. Interested in creating such content but don’t have the time to devote to putting it together? That’s where we come in. With the concierge service, when you purchase an OMI interactive, motion-activated projection system, we’ll do the work for you. Just tell us what themes you want, what kind of material you’d like to include, and how long you want the contents of a folder to run, and we’ll pick and put in the right applications for you.  Want to make a folder with special meaning? Send us the photos, videos, music and other content you want included, and we’ll have it ready for you in no time.  As easy as this technology is to use, it can be made even easier. In fact, it can actually operate on autoplay, meaning there is no need for employees, who are already facing so many overwhelming challenges, to be on hand to run a session. No work for you or your staff, but lots of beneficial play for users! And you can be sure that those who interact with OMI’s motion-activated systems will be transported on dynamic, captivating, stimulating and broadening journeys of discovery.

Sensory spaces can serve a variety of different purposes depending on who is visiting it and what they are hoping to get from the experience. Taking some time to consider the goals of your sensory space will help you decide the best way to set it up for maximum effectiveness. The lighting, sounds, furniture, toys and equipment you include will help guide visitors towards the mood you are trying to create. A calming sensory space will help kids in a number of different ways, and considering the needs of the children that will use it will help you create the perfect space for them.

A calming sensory room benefits many struggling children

Kids who struggle with a number of different issues can benefit from spending time in a calming sensory space. A space that reduces stimulation and stress can help kids to step away from stressors and experience a calmer attitude. Those who struggle with autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, anxiety, vision issues and other sensory processing issues will all benefit from having a dedicated calm space in which to spend time.

Creating a calming sensory space

Filling your area with things that help induce a calm and quiet atmosphere is the best way to ensure kids will benefit from this style of sensory space. The lighting, sounds, equipment and furniture you choose to include will all play a significant role in how kids interact with their surroundings and what they take away from their time there.

Ideal lighting for a calming space

When creating a calming sensory space, you want to use lighting that isn’t too harsh or bright. Children looking for a calming space will benefit from lighting with yellow tones and the ability to be dimmed. Dimmable lights allow the space to be adjusted to the needs of the child using it, so that their experience can be very personal to them. You can also use Christmas or string lights, battery powered candles, glow sticks, lava lamps and bubble tubes to set the mood for your calming sensory room.

Best equipment to encourage calmness

When creating your sensory space, the list of toys and equipment that you can include is endless. While some spaces are designed to help stimulate a child, others are intended to help calm them. The equipment that you include will play a significant role in what kind of space is created. Some ideas of items to bring into your calming sensory space include:

• Bubble tubes, walls or lamps
• An hourglass or Zen sand garden
• Fidget toys
• A tactile mat, wall or carpet
• Stress balls
• Magic sand
• Expanding Ball
• Silly putty, play-do or modelling clay
• Stuffed animals
• Weighted blanket
• Colouring books
• An interactive projector system

Calm-inducing furniture

While a sensory space created for a high-energy child might focus on using furniture that can allow movement, like trampolines and climbing ropes, a calming sensory space should include furniture that encourages relaxation. Items like beanbag chairs, floor pillows, hammocks and anything that can encourage kids to relax and unwind are perfect for a calming sensory space.

Best sounds for a calming sensory space

The background sounds in a sensory space can also play a role in the mood that’s created. A calming space should feature calm sounds to help children immerse in the experience. A sound machine can help you find the right sounds for your space. Tracks that include the sound of moving water like rain, bubbling streams, waves hitting the shore or a waterfall are typically very relaxing and calming. Soft instrumental music is also often quite calming. However, you’ll want to evaluate your particular child or children before committing to something as their interests and needs will vary.

How to create a calming environment

Even if all you have is a small corner of a room in which to create a sensory space, there are many things that you can do in order to maximize its effect on children. Combining the right lighting, sounds, toys, equipment and furniture is the best way to create a space that exudes calmness. Once you have figured out where your sensory space will be, you can start deciding what will go into it. Start by choosing a comfy seat and mood lighting, then add a few toys or activities that can help create a calm atmosphere. 

A sensory space can be simple to implement

Even if you’re dealing with fairly restricted space, you can create a mobile sensory cart or bin that can go wherever the child does, with small items that are portable. A sensory space does not need to take up an entire room or be anything over the top in order to be effective. Kids will benefit from having even a small area dedicated to providing tools to help them experience calmness. The sights, sounds, lighting and equipment you choose will help them to get the most out of a calming sensory space, regardless of where and how big it is.

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.