One of the most impactful tools that Occupational Therapists use are our therapeutic multisensory rooms.
🌈 What Are Sensory Rooms?
Sensory rooms are thoughtfully designed environments that offer calming or stimulating sensory input tailored to each person’s unique needs. These spaces include:
- Swings and rocking chairs
- Weighted blankets and lap pads
- Soothing lights and music
- Tactile devices like sensory manipulatives and sensory balls
Even in locations without a dedicated room, sensory supports are still available throughout all our programs, thanks to the guidance and creativity of our OT team. Featured in this story, Adult Day Hab Sensory Rooms are located at our Knickerbocker, Lakeland, and Westhampton Adult Day Habs.
🧠 How Sensory Supports Help
Our occupational therapists provide personalized strategies to help the people we support feel centered, engaged, and ready to participate in daily activities. These supports include:
Tactile Input: Sensory manipulatives and sensory objects help with focus, tolerance, and reducing overstimulation.
Vestibular Input: Movement-based tools like swings provide calming alternatives to self-stimulatory behaviors.
Proprioceptive Input: Weighted items offer deep pressure input, improving body awareness and reducing impulsivity.
Visual & Auditory Input: Customized lighting and music help individuals relax or refocus depending on their needs.
Feeding Support: The OT team also provides feeding evaluations, staff training, and equipment recommendations to promote safe, independent mealtimes.
🗣️ Voices from Our Team
Christina Kaplan, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, highlights “how the sensory room’s features—like oversized bean bags and rocking chairs—create spaces that promote self-regulation and relaxation.”
Doriann Adams, Director of Staff Development & Education, reflects on the impact of the first sensory room at our Cedar Road facility:
“We saw people who were nonverbal begin to communicate. One individual who struggled with self-injury learned to use the sensory room to calm himself—and even gave it a name: ‘the thunder room.’ That space helped him express his needs and regulate for the first time.”
Patti Varnot, Behavior Intervention Specialist, adds:
“Our sensory room is used proactively to support individuals with Autism, Anxiety, and Sensory Processing Disorder. It helps them regulate and participate in day program activities to the fullest. It’s an amazing resource—for individuals and staff alike.”
🙌 Thank You to Our OT Team
This Occupational Therapy Month, we honor the expertise, dedication, and heart of our OT department. Whether in a sensory room or a program space, your work brings peace, progress, and empowerment to every person we support. Thank you for helping people live fuller, more connected lives—one sensory experience at a time.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PART 2! Part 2 of our Sensory Room Highlight will feature our Children’s Services Program OT services!
📍 Adult Day Hab Sensory Room Locations:
- Knickerbocker Day Hab
- Lakeland Day Hab
- Westhampton Day Hab
Sensory supports are available across all program locations.
