Sensory
LINKS
There are two sensory rooms at Bates Drive that can be used by staff:
Calming Sensory Room
The calming sensory room is a multi-sensory environment that helps students engage and develop their senses. Equipment in the room addresses 6 of the 7 senses, including; proprioception, vestibular, tactile, visual, auditory, and olfactory systems. The calming sensory room can be used to calm students who are over-stimulated or to alert students who are understimulated. By reaching the just-right level of sensory stimulation, students are better able to regulate themselves and participate in school activities. Overall, the sensory room is designed as a safe, engaging environment for students to explore their sensory needs.
For further information regarding the equipment in the calming sensory room, as well as activity ideas, click the pink button at the bottom of the page.
Ora
What is the Ora for?
The Ora is a place where teachers can bring students to help regulate their behaviour or emotions. Whilst the indoor calming sensory room encompasses many different senses, the Ora has been primarily designed to provide the body with lots of proprioceptive input. The Ora is best for students who are seeking out excessive proprioceptive input or can be used to de-escalate their behaviour and emotions.
What is Heavy Work?
Heavy work can assist in calming students’ who are seeking this proprioceptive input. It also is effective in regulating a student’s emotions as heavy work activities can result in a more calm and focused brain and body. Although students can use the Ora Room for proprioceptive input, it is important to also note that heavy work can be utilised throughout the day easily. Remember that heavy work is any activity that involves putting pressure on muscles and joints that are moving. For example carrying heavy books, animal walks or even scrubbing down desks and tables.
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There is a whole range of equipment in the Ora that can be used in many different ways to provide proprioceptive input. For further information in regards to the equipment, please click the pink button below.