WHAT IS IT?

Snoezelen consists of pleasurable sensory experiences generated in an atmosphere of trust and relazation. In a specifically developed sensory location, experiences can be arranged to stimulate the primary senses without the need of intellectual activity.

LIGHTHOUSE HAS ONE

A separate room totally focused on the five senses exists at the Center. It contains special lighting such as projectors, spotlights, star panels, UV lights, mirror balls, and bubble tubes which will help to create warm and cool sensations.

Selected rhythmical music with a variety of tone, pitch, rhythm and spacing is used to soothe the children. Other sound effects such as birds and animal noises, or wind and rain effects are also utilized.

Smell is a powerful, yet often an under used sense. Aromatic massage oils, aroma diffusers, or specially designed smell boxes provide the stimulation in the facility.

Taste is included by the use of a wide variety of things that can be spread on bread. Flavored drinkd provide additional stimulation and experimentation helps to widen experience.

Lastly, touch !! Objects are provided in the sensory room such as finger fascination chain curtains, tactile panels, and other items representing feel.

Benefits are important. Communication and understanding between participants can be improved as the pressure to achieve is removed and trust develops. Children, who have perceptual difficulties, appear to gain pleasure from the visual, auditory and tactile experiences. The gentle stimulation has a soothing effect that helps relieve agitation.

THE LIGHTHOUSE SNOEZELEN ROOM is state-of-the-art equipped. It is sponsored by AT&T in its entirety. Few Sensory Rooms exist in the United States and only a very few in Florida.

If you need further information regarding Snoezelen, its benefits, and time research you may contact Teri Woods or Paige Degryse at the Lighthouse Learning Center.

SNOEZELEN was developed in Holland with the intention of providing people, who have sensor and learning disabilities, with appropriate relaxation and leisure facilities. It originates from the belief that we all need stimulation. Thus, Lighthouse strongly believes that the special needs children that it serves can benefit greatly from Snoezelen.