Visual input can be overwhelming and/or distracting for a student with visual sensory issues, or alternatively, it can ‘wake up’ a student who has difficulty taking in and processing visual stimuli. To be visually suitable, the lighting in the sensory room should be softened and darkened while also delivering calming and relaxing visual input in order to facilitate the individual to engage with the environment and react appropriately to the visual stimuli. Some of the equipment that promote visual processing are: 

 

Bubble Tube:  

The bubble tube stimulates the visual system by facilitating the individuals use ability to visually track bubbles and objects (plastic fish). The color changing effect of the bubble tube also promotes color recognition and visual perception. Gazing into the bubble tube can also have a very relaxing effect.   

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Projector:  

The projector also promotes visual tracking with gently moving and fluid images projected onto a wall. Simple changing shapes, colors and patterns allow for engagement in visual perception while also providing a calming and soothing effect.  
 

To have the best effect, it is recommended that the lights be dimmed so the projection is more visible. 

  

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Light Display:  

The light display promotes visual pursuit and tracking as it lights up the semi-circle one section at a time. The brightness and fun colors can be especially useful for those individuals who are hypo-sensitive, or 'seek' visual stimuli. The different colors also promote visual color recognition. Additionally, the repeating patterns promote visual memory.

 

 

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Dark Tent/Den:  

For students who are visually hyper-sensitive, or that become over-stimulated and avoid visual stimuli, a dark den is useful to help students escape and 'cool down' from visual stimuli. The tent allows the individual to feel secure in an enclosed and distraction-free place.

 

 

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Mirror Den:   

The mirror den can promote visual sensory integration in two ways. Similar to the dark den, it provides a ‘safe space’ for students who might be visually overstimulated to retreat to as it is partially closed off from the remainder of the room. However, the mirror den can also be visually stimulating by reflecting and diffracting light sources. Mirrors are also stimulating and helpful to promote body self-awareness, visual scanning, tracking, focusing. 

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Fluorescent Light Covers: 

Our human eyes have adapted to function under the light of the sun. Artificial lighting, and fluorescent lighting especially, give off different light spectrums (usually cool tones) which can be uncomfortable and cause our eyes to strain, especially to individuals with visual processing disorders. Light covers are used to diffuse and soften the lighting within the room creating a more pleasing and relaxed environment.  

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