Proactive vs. Reactive: Rethinking the Sensory Room

Designing Sensory Environments with Purpose

Welcome to our new 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 this first installment, we shares how thoughtful layout choices, physical constraints, and a proactive philosophy shape spaces where children can thrive, stay regulated, and fully participate in their daily routines.

Proactive vs. Reactive: Rethinking the Sensory Room

When people think of a sensory room, they often picture a quiet space designed to help a child regulate after becoming overwhelmed. However, as Sara highlights, this reactive approach overlooks the full potential of sensory integration.

Designing proactively means creating spaces that children can access throughout the day to support their sensory needs before challenges arise. As Sara highlights, “Kids often know exactly what their body needs, and they go and seek it out.” Intentional sensory spaces empower children to choose the input that helps them feel ready to learn, play, and engage with their peers.

• Giant Tickle Run Through Tunnel
• Musical Footnotes
• Large Hexagon Liquid Floor Tiles - Set of 4
• Textured Liquid Floor Tiles
• Square Gel Floor Tiles

Designing Sensory Spaces: 3 Key Considerations

Creating a successful sensory environment isn't just about buying equipment. It’s about understanding how that equipment interacts with the room, the environment, and the people using it.

When March of Dimes set out to equip their new facility, several crucial design factors came into play:

1. Spatial Flow and Safety

Working within an existing floor plan required careful equipment and furniture placement to maintain clear pathways for mobility devices and smooth transitions between activities. Simple design tweaks made a significant difference, such as placing electrical outlets higher on walls to keep cords safely out of reach and reduce trip hazards.

2. Multi-Zone Environments

Rather than relying on a single "one-size-fits-all" sensory room, the team at March of Dimes designed three distinct zones to cater to different needs throughout the day:

• The Main Program Space (Embedded Supports): Features an integrated "Calming Closet" and an interactive tactile wall directly in the main room.

• The Flagship Room: A dedicated down-regulating, calm space equipped with synchronized Luminea sensory technology.

• The Quiet Discovery Room: A light-focused room designed for fine motor skill development and visual exploration.

3. Purposeful Budgeting

As a donor-funded program, every piece of equipment needed to serve a clear, therapeutic purpose. Prioritizing versatility ensured that the space could accommodate a wide range of sensory profiles without feeling overcrowded.

One of the stand-out features of the March of Dimes facility is the "Calming Closet", a mini sensory nook built directly inside the large, active group environment.

Group learning spaces can quickly become noisy and chaotic with children, staff, and parents moving around. Having an embedded sensory option allows a child to take a brief sensory break to regroup without leaving the room or feeling excluded from the group.

This space includes such space saving items as:

• Infinity Bubble Wall
• Spangalorb - Suspended Illuminator
• Fiber Optic Rug
• Textured Silicone Sensory Discs - These can be attached to the wall using heavy-duty Velcro or placed on the floor for flexible use options
• Glow Fish Aquarium Carpet - Ideal for floor and wall use
• Sensory Mood Water Table - Colour changing sensory and water table
  
• Switch Adapted Vibrating Pillow and other Switch Adapted Toys

Adjacent to this nook, a large tactile wall offers continuous opportunities for free exploration, fine motor practice, and gross motor engagement. Wall-mounted features also maximize the use of space by keeping valuable floor areas open for movement and play. 

"Our tactile wall that's outside in the main space targets so many different things: exploration, cause and effect learning, bilateral coordination, gross motor skills, and fine motor skills."

— Sara Kurniadi, OT

Because the wall features a wide variety of textures, latches, dials, and interactive elements, children naturally practice using both hands together (bilateral coordination), reaching overhead (gross motor strength), and manipulating small parts (fine motor precision).

Some of the things to consider for wall-mounted features:

• Rod Wall Activity Panel
• Activity Panels - Set of 7
• Sensory Bubble Mirror
• Mark Making Sequin Long Boards

What’s Next?

In Part 2 of our series, we’ll take a look inside the Flagship Sensory Room to explore how synchronized light, sound, and vibroacoustic technology work together to achieve true sensory regulation. Stay tuned!

CLICK HERE to view the full Bridges Sensory Collection.