The room is based on the Dutch approach snoezelenwhich is a contraction of the Dutch words sniffing which means “to feel” and to doze which means “to doze”. It therefore aims to offer a variety of sensory stimulation for people who need it.
Young people who have a developmental delay, hyperactivity, intellectual disabilities or who live with an autism spectrum disorder will be able to use it. The room will be able to promote and encourage communication and behavioral changes.
The renovation of this room required an investment of $100,000 for its layout and the purchase of its equipment. The funds come from collaborating organizations and businesses in the community, in addition to fundraising.
Everything in the room is designed to stimulate physical and cognitive abilities, while providing a sense of security and comfort to students.
“The multisensory room also has the effect of reducing disruptive behavior often present among HDAA students. Sensory play helps strengthen the nerve connections of the brain and promote fine and gross motor skills, concentration, learning, socialization and communication with peers,” writes the Pays-des-Bleuets School Service Center , via press release.
It includes, among other things, equipment such as projectors, light columns, touch screens, beanbags and rugs.
The multi-sensory room includes everything to soothe and relax students who need it. (Pays-des-Bleuets school service center)
Teacher’s initiative
Dominique Lambert, a special education teacher, has been thinking about this idea for a few years. Inspired by the creation of such a room in Jonquière, the teacher wanted to have one in her school.
In 2020, a multisensory room was made available to students at Sainte-Thérèse, but it remained incomplete. However, Ms. Lambert was already seeing the positive effects for her students.
“Immediately, we saw the benefits for our students and even for us,” she recalls, via press release.
One of the users, Pénélope Bouchard, unfortunately passed away as a result of her condition. To pay tribute to her, the CSS decided to name the room after her. Her parents cut the inaugural ribbon on Thursday.
The inauguration of the Pénélope-Bouchard Foundation Room is the conclusion of long efforts to bring this unifying project to life.
