In the hands of a skilled and enabling practitioner, a controlled multi-sensory therapeutic environment offers a powerful therapeutic tool for people who experience sensory disorders or other dysregulation that may be rooted in anxiety, trauma, learning disabilities, brain injury, mental health challenges, developmental delay, autism or the elderly. The room could relax, energise, stimulate or calm a person, according to that individual’s specific needs, if used correctly.

Originally developed in the 1970s in the Netherlands, multi-sensory rooms have been established in institutions all over the world. At Bellavista School, South Africa, such a room is used in a multidisciplinary context and has therapeutic purpose for children of school going age who experience barriers to learning. The intervention is not bound by a specific professional discipline, therapy, facility, or client profile. It enhances our commitment to the Ayers Sensory Integration model. It is tool and resource utilised to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other limiting conditions.

A session in a multi-sensory therapeutic environment involves offering a person an opportunity to enter a soothing and stimulating environment. These rooms are specially designed to deliver stimuli to various senses using lighting intensity, simulated movement, colour, acoustics, vibrosonic feedback, music, scents, etc. Different equipment on a wall combined with materials on the floor may be explored using tactile senses and offer sensory feedback. An advantage of the therapeutic experience is that it does not rely on verbal communication. At Bellavista School, it would be the work of a trained practitioner to use such a room.

Research

Bellavista School is committed to evidence based practice. Beyond the wealth of intuitive skills presented by our therapists based on their experience, we always seek our hard data before implementing any programme. Further, we scrutinise our practice to determine efficacy and measurable results.

Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel’s leading organisation in the field of disabilities. A joint collaboration with their Issie Senses team sees Bellavista S.H.A.R.E., the professional development and research arm of Bellavista School, bring the Issie Senses methodology to South Africa, and so equip other health professionals, caregivers, parents and educators with Issie Senses training as well as in designing their rooms and purchasing equipment.

How can we support your Issie Senses journey?

Call us on +27117885454

Email us on issiesenses@bellavistaschool.co.za