Creating a Regulation Haven: Technology & Sensory Tools That Work

Welcome to part 2 of our multi-part 'Designing Sensory Spaces' blog series, where we go behind the scenes to explore what it takes to design, build, and utilize effective sensory environments. Throughout this series, we’ll look at the clinical reasoning, technology, and strategies behind spaces that empower individuals with sensory processing differences.

To help us dive deep into this topic, we interviewed Sara Kurniadi, Occupational Therapist for the Early Learning Program (Move Learn Grow Program) at March of Dimes.

The Move Learn Grow program delivers a play-based approach to early childhood learning that enhances the development of children with disabilities, emphasizing social integration, emotional well-being, and building long-term life skills. You will be able to find a program description and schedule in the following link:

https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/children/Pages/Move-Learn-Grow-Classes.aspx 

In Part 1 of this series we discussed the importance of designing proactive sensory environments. In this post, we are stepping inside March of Dimes' Flagship Sensory Room. This spaces uses Luminea sensory technology to calm the nervous system, lower sensory overload, and help children regain focus.

Designing for Calm

For children with sensory processing differences, busy environments can keep their nervous system in a constant state of high alert. A dedicated down-regulating room provides calm, predictable sensory input to help the body settle and self-regulate. Sara explains that some of the ways that this can be accomplished is through "proprioceptive input, vibration, and calming music to help regulate their bodies so they feel ready to enter a busier environment.” 

Why Luminea?

When discussing the Flagship Room equipment, Sara highlighted 5 standout features:

1. Ease of Use

While advanced sensory technology like Luminea may seem intimidating at first, it is designed to be straightforward to install and use. With simple plug-and-play connections, intuitive controls, and no Wi-Fi or internet connection required, the system is quick to set up and easy to use from day one.

2. Access & Control

Every Luminea Corner comes with a pre-loaded tablet, featuring an easy-to-use Luminea application that allows users to control, customize, and trigger immersive multi-sensory activities with simple pictures. Here are some examples of possible activities:

• Touch a picture of a red apple in the app to instantly turn the room red, then search for other red objects around the space.
• Develop fine motor skills by targeting objects of various sizes and completing tracing activities.
• Match shapes or colours on the screen to activate coordinated lighting effects, reinforcing visual discrimination and cause-and-effect learning.

Overall, Luminea is fully accessible and can be used with a touch, switches, eye gaze, joysticks, and a lot more. 

Some unique access options used by March of Dimes are the Luminea Sensory Step and the Luminea Sensory Cube. These access devices can either control all of the equipment or individual lighting elements, all depending on the needs of the users.

3. Colour Syncing

One Luminea feature that is frequently highlighted to Sara is the ability to synchronize the room’s lighting. Rather than overwhelming users with visual clutter, the coordinated lighting creates consistent sensory input that supports regulation. When multiple users are in the room, each sensory device can also be controlled independently, ensuring everyone can engage with the environment at their own pace without unexpected changes.

4. The Bubble Tube

With its gentle water sounds and shifting visual cues, the bubble tube acts as an immediate visual draw. It naturally captures attention, offering a soothing focal point that helps interrupt cycles of distress or overstimulation. March of Dimes chose the Ball Kit for the Bubble Tube for extra visual stimulation/focal points.

5. The Vibroacoustic Pouf

Sara observed, “The bubble tube is like the magnet that draws people into the room, and the Vibroacoustic Pouf is what keeps them there. They’ll lie on it and have the best time... you can visibly see them calm down.” The Vibroacoustic Pouf can also be synchronized with music, allowing vibrations to follow the beat of a song. All that’s needed is a strong bass line to create a more immersive sensory experience.

Sara added, “It’s such a unique piece of equipment. Not many people in the community, or even elsewhere, have had the opportunity to experience something like this.”

CLICK HERE to view the full Bridges Sensory Collection.