If you haven’t already encountered a Sensory Nook in your day to day outings then the chances are you will do so in the near future.
As a certificated IBCCES approved Autism Resource, Sensory Nook is increasingly being called upon by organisations looking to provide space efficient sensory and neurodiversity support in public indoor spaces. They can be found in schools, libraries, hospitals, care providers, transport hubs and sports stadiums to name a few.
Space is always in short supply and high demand in places like these and finances in the current economic climate are equally tight. This makes the creation of specialist sensory support rooms a challenge, even when the recognition of need and value is there. What is making the Sensory Nook so desirable for organisations seeking to be more inclusive is the flexibility of a compact, sturdy and easily manageable pod that can be moved around on wheels to where it best fits and is most needed. Sensory Nooks create an instant “room within a room”, with a range of different models containing inclusive sensory technology to support different situations and needs.
There are discrete sensory supportive workspace Nooks that reduce sensory overload, support concentration and actively reduce tension and anxiety to help occupants be more productive with less fatigue. These contemporary looking pods fit seamlessly into classroom and office type environments providing powerful support without drawing unnecessary attention to the person.
Then there are a number of differently configured models that are easily recognisable by anyone who is familiar with sensory room environments. These Sensory Nooks provide breakout calming and stimulation spaces for self-regulation and sensory exploration. They are padded for safety and comfort and packed with built-in equipment for explorative interaction, cause and effect responses and active engagement. The Sensory Nooks have been designed to be “plug and play” in recognition that to be the most versatile sensory provision they have to be operable by non-technical staff in many situations.
Rachel Gee is the Senior Library Supervisor at Tiverton Library (Libraries Unlimited) and explains how Sensory Nook works for them:
"When we were planning our library refresh our customers told us that a sensory resource for children was high on their wish list. When we discovered the Sensory Nook Interactive from Ambispace Ltd, it fitted all our needs. It is self-contained and has a range of sensory options that children can choose to interact with to distract from other things happening nearby or can be simply used as a calm relaxing space - this dual purpose is perfect for our library which has a high footfall."
We find it pulls in all children that come into the library, not just those we assumed would use it, and is regularly used by babies and their families as well as children up to age 11. As it is on wheels it gives us extra flexibility, as we can move its location from a public area to a more private space if needed. We were even able to choose the internal colour, so it fitted well with our newly redesigned library.
The Sensory Nook Interactive has been in operation at Tiverton Library for 2 months, and the response from families has been incredibly positive. We are finding that parents are more open with our staff team about their children's additional needs, meaning as a team we can understand our customers and community better. We are pleased that by having a Sensory Nook we can now offer a better, inclusive library experience to all children including those with additional needs, who we want to feel especially welcome.”
Recent feedback responses to library staff include a parent of a 7 year old child with additional needs who said,
"I'm over the moon that you have created a new sensory area, my son gets overwhelmed and now I feel happier bringing him to the library knowing there is somewhere he can take a break if he needs to."
A 10 year old girl with ASD when asked what they thought of the Sensory Nook said,
"It's awesome! You can do anything in it, you can change colours, make a rainbow, make patterns, and it even makes noises. It's really cool."
And an 11 year old boy with ASD when talking about how he used the Nook said,
"This is my place, it’s for me, every time I come here."
The Sensory Nooks are a UK designed and manufactured product. They are the result of a collaboration between Nook Wellness Pods and sensory specialists AmbiSpace ltd. They came in to being just before Covid struck which slowed down their production but increased the awareness in public of the importance of sensory provision. Since lockdown was lifted, they have seen demand rocket not only in the UK but increasingly from overseas with the USA in particular making great advances in inclusive provision.
ACES is an established American organisation specialising in Autism support and education. They are using Sensory Nooks fitted with a range of fibre optics, Bluetooth sound systems, scent, interactive light tubes and soothing vibration seating to promote increased levels of concentration and to calm or stimulate children with sensory integration disabilities. ACES are leading a fresh approach and new perspective to supporting children with Autism in their Ceritos and Irvine locations in the USA.
When American Football team the LA Raiders opened their new Allegiant Stadium as the world emerged from covid lockdowns they wanted to ensure inclusivity and support for neurodiverse fans was effectively provided. They placed two Ford Motor Company sponsored Sensory Nooks just inside the Ford North Entry Gate of the stadium. LA Raiders President Marc Badain said the Nooks,
“Provide our guests at Allegiant Stadium, an environment for those who need to take a break in a location that is calming and tranquil”.
The New York Mets baseball team added Sensory Nook to their Citi Field stadium away from the main concourse to provide a space for families to take a break away from the noise and intensity to self-regulate and return to the game rather than having to end their visit and leave for home.
The greatest advantage Sensory Nook gives to organisations and users alike is that it provides sensory and neurodiversity support exactly at the point it is needed. In schools children with SEND do not need to be taken out of the classroom and across campus to the sensory room to manage a crisis situation. The sensory support can be in the classroom, corridor or several stations around the school so children can cycle through them throughout the day, preventing build up of anxiety and achieving their full potential for learning through increased concentration.
Public providers who are not traditionally sensory aware are adding Sensory Nooks so that families can visit and stay longer knowing they have a safe space for self-regulation when needed. This is not just inclusion for people with special needs, but inclusion for the whole family group for the duration of the visit.
Look out for the Sensory Nook logo appearing near you, it is set to become the recognised symbol for genuine and inclusive sensory support in everyday places.
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