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GALLERY
MSE Snapshots & Stories
See how multi-sensory spaces add value and enrichment
to education and quality of life.
A Vision for Pine Elementary School
Therapists Christine Kiser, COTA and Robin Krakow, PTA shared a vision to create a multi-sensory space in local schools, places where students could experience feeling safe and valued, nurturing a flow of sensory self-awareness and positive mindfulness for developing healthy relationships.
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, USA
The Multi-Sensory Environments (MSE) International Conference 2023 at Valparaiso University, themed "Creating Meaningful Moments in the Multi-Sensory Room," unfolded from September 28th to 30th, 2023, immersing attendees in a world of exploration and learning. Day 1 unfolded with the MSE Basic Training Workshop, a haven for newcomers and those seeking a refresher on MSE essentials. Enthusiastic participants delved into foundational concepts and applications, immersing themselves in live demonstrations of MSE tools. As the second day dawned, attendees immersed themselves in morning sessions encompassing The History of MSE, The Human Sensory Brain, MSE in Pediatric Intensive Care, and the creation of Homemade MSE Materials & Sensory Gardens. Afternoons were filled with dynamic choices, offering participants the opportunity to select from sessions such as Vibroacoustic Therapy in MSE, MSE in Psychotherapy, Education of Skilled Workers, and the intriguing Sensory Tombola. The conference's final day unfolded with a morning focus on the Future of MSE, exploring Syncing Sensory Activities with Individual Processing Levels, Multi-Sensory Delivery Rooms, and the art of Developing Meaningful Goals in MSE. Afternoons brought a wealth of options, including sessions on Creative Movement in MSE, the heartwarming impact of Therapy Dogs in MSE, Principles of Design in MSE, and strategies for Breaking Social Isolation in MSE. This photo collage encapsulates the vibrant tapestry of knowledge, collaboration, and shared passion that defined each day of this transformative conference.
Pine Elementary School, Michigan City, Indiana, USA
The vision of the multi-sensory environments within MCAS started during the 2017-18 school year, when the Special Education Department approached the OT/PT Department with a request of determining how to use allocated funds for sensory equipment for schools with students with high sensory needs.
A Group Effort for Success
The MCAS MSE program was able to come to fruition through the generosity of the HCFLP, Unity Foundation, MCHRC, Dianne and Geoff Minott and the support of the Special Education Department. In 2019, construction began on the foundation for the room, thanks to the help of Christine's husband, Brad Kiser, and Robin’s father, Chuck Odle. The ribbon cutting originally planned for May 2020 was postponed to May 2022 due to the pandemic. Chuck Odle was a big part of the creation and near completion of this project, but unfortunately passed away before the new date of the ribbon cutting ceremony. He will always be remembered.
Process and Progress
With each training and certification Christine and Robin have attended, along with the unwavering support of the Special Education Department and Pine Staff and Administration, they have been able to implement not only a room but an environment where students can cope, regulate, and thrive. The Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) at Pine Elementary serves all students, whether or not they are enrolled in Special Education Services. Students are referred by staff and observed in both the MSE and their classrooms, to create a customized, structured plan that supports their awareness and growth in self-regulation, mindfulness, and coping skills. These skills not only help them at school but in all areas of their lives. To date, over 100 Pine students have benefited from a customized plan.
Globe-Star Multi-Sensory Room, South Bend, Indiana, USA
'Noah is relaxing in the ball pit'
Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Maurits Eijgendaal, President of International Snoezelen-MSE Association (ISNA- MSE) facilitating a multi-sensory workshop at Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Pine Elementary School, Michigan City, Indiana, USA
Color & Sound in the multi-sensory room at Pine Elementary,
a magnet school for the arts.
a magnet school for the arts.
Home Sensory Room
Immersed in the sensory discovery of her bubble tube, this little girl shares a moment of connectedness with her mother and family.
North Way Christian, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The Sensory Gym at North Way Christian provides a structured environment
that helps children with special needs develop sensory, communication,
and motor skills.
that helps children with special needs develop sensory, communication,
and motor skills.
Calming Sensory Room
A Calming Room is a space that is meant to be a supportive therapeutic environment which assists individuals in self-calming efforts by offering them a designated space to relax and self-regulate. It is a place designed to calm the senses where the individual can experience calming visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli.
Foundational Equipment for Sensory Spaces
Colorful bubble tubes invite engagement and spark the imagination of children and adults alike. They create swirling, continuously changing bubbles of multi-coloured light which can serve as an interactive visual stimulus for those with sensory needs. Not only it provides calming yet stimulating effects that enable users to enjoy an exciting audio-visual experience, but also aids in the development of various visual skills. Bubble tubes are invaluable for improving depth perception, tracking ability, colour recognition and more. For these reasons, bubble tubes are considered a foundational piece of equipment.
Vecta Sensory Cart
Portable sensory innovations like The Vecta Sensory Cart provide an accessible invitation for a multifunctional sensory experience for a number of users with different needs and environments. It can easily be packed and transported from one location to another. It features a unique waterless bubble column, colored fiber optic tails, scented diffuser, CD/MP3 stereo, and various control switches, all of which enable users to stimulate a variety of senses.
Kinetic Wonder Wall
Mother and son share a moment of exploration and learning at the Kinetic Wonder Wall. With all its moving parts, discs and balls to spin, bells to ring, and puzzles, it inspires visual and tactile stimulation; sharpen color and shape recognition, and improves fine motor skills.
A complete multi-sensory experience on the wall!
A complete multi-sensory experience on the wall!
Pine Elementary School, Michigan City, Indiana, USA
November 2022, Joy Elementary School MSE ribbon-cutting and dedication in memory of Special Education Teacher, Caitlin Foreman. A commemorative plaque was presented to Caitlin’s husband, Zach Foreman. President of the International ISNA-MSE Association, Maurits Eijgendaal of Denmark, along with his colleague, executive director of Quality of Life Institute, Anthony M. McCrovitz, were both present to mark the occasion and speak to the crowd on the impact Caitlin's life had on the students and staff, and how the MSE principles will continue to carry on her beautiful legacy.
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