Here are some of the subjects which can
be covered in a course. It is impossible to fit them all
in, in one day but its nice to know the
possibilities.
1 Day Talk/lecture example.
9:30
Introduction to the Day - We start the day with a
familiarisation session: about the content of the day &
pass on any 'house keeping' information.
The Multi Sensory Room or studio - We will study the uses
of the multi sensory equipment, from relaxation and
stimulation to communication. Setting aims and objectives
and assessment in the MSR will also be over viewed.
Introduction to the Equipment - You may already have the
equipment, or you may be just planning to purchase some.
What do you do with it? How do you make it appropriate? Is
the room a place where we go in, turn the lights off and
listen to dolphins and panpipes whilst watching 60's liquid
wheels
running around the wall?
The equipment session may take up much of the day, as this
knowledge is a vital pre-requisite if the room is to be
used well.
Sensory Issues - Many people have a sensory loss or a dual
sensory impairment, so this session considers the
implications of this in relation to the MSR. Alternatively,
we could study communication, aims or assessment in more
detail if this is more appropriate to you.
‘Hands
on’ day: working with students.
The
day is split into sessions, each lasting for a
suggested time of 45 minutes. These times can be
changed to suit your needs.
When the students arrive in the room, the staff will be
asked about their current aims for the individual or group.
The session will then be tailored to suit the student's
needs. Some preparatory information will be required, prior
to the day.
The Suggested Times
9.30 Sessions Begin
9.30 Session 1 - 45 min
10.15 Session 2 - 45 min
11.00 Break
11.15 Session 3 - 45 min
12.00 Session 4 - 45 min
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Session 5 - 45 min
2.15 Session 6 - 45 min
3.00 Break
3.30 Staff feedback and questions
Two
day course example
Day 1- As normal 1 day course
Introduction
to the Day
The Multi Sensory Room
Multi Sensory Equipment
Day
2 - This is a flexible day and could
include the following subjects, depending
on the delegates needs.
Sensory
Issues
Assessment
Communication
Setting Targets
Curriculum Links and themes
Equipment Training - ‘hands on’ session
Safety and Maintenance of the Equipment
Subjects
in detail :-
Overview
of the concept
- This session will take an objective look through a series
of OHP's about the rooms in existence in the UK and
overseas. We will overview their uses, from relaxation and
stimulation to communication. Setting aims and objectives
and assessment in the MSR will also be dealt with. Is the
room a place where we go in, turn the lights off and listen
to dolphins and panpipes whilst watching 60's liquid wheels
running around the wall? No! It is a tool, often termed as
a 'studio' which can be used for a host of subjects, when
we realise the potential. 
Equipment
Training -
Understanding the equipment is one of the most important
subjects on any course. Even knowing where to switch it 'on
and off' can be a challenge for some people! But knowing
how the equipment can motivate people is very important.
The presentation of effects and how to use
them in a tangible and appropriate manner is of equal
importance. There are a host of ideas for bubble tubes,
fibre optics and projectors which can ensure these tools
are used in a way which takes the room beyond the often
used 'relaxation' scenario. They can encourage people to
communicate, learn curriculum subjects and social
skills.
Stimulation
-
People often find the equipment 'stimulating' but what does
that mean? People often see the room as a great place for
'visual stimulation'
but on the course you will gain plenty of knowledge and
ideas about hearing, tactile, taste and smell.
Curriculum
Links and themes
- This equipment, is not always used with students with
profound and multiple disabilities. Many mixed setting and
mainstream schools and adult day services are encouraging
the use of the tools the traditional multi sensory room or
studio offers. The equipment evolved from the theatre and
disco market, and this, means that for more able children
and adults it can offer imaginative learning.
Sensory
Issues -
Many people have a sensory loss or a dual sensory
impairment, so this session considers the implications of
this in relation to the MSR. You will have the chance to
experience the effects of visual impairment, hearing loss,
lack of mobility and the effects of poor communication
skills. This lecture and practical session will let you see
the room in a different light!
Setting
Targets -
if the room is to be seen as a valid tool, then specific
targets will need to be set. The ideas proposed in this
session will assist you in the setting of continuing
targets. The tutor will suggest models and formats, which
could be used with both children and adults.
Communication
-
is the most important skill we can gain. The room or
portable equipment can be used as valuable tools to develop
communication at many levels, from early body language to
sign and symbol learning. We will look at the basic reasons
for communication. This session is a valuable
reminder that the room is not just about relaxation.
Assessment
-
Before we use the equipment, we must start with baseline
information about the student at any age. Ongoing
assessments are also important to track the progress of a
student, and there are many formats for sensory,
communication and other skills, which may be used. These
are
relevant to a host of professions, from teachers,
therapists, assistants and management.
Safety
and Maintenance of the Equipment -
So many times equipment is returned to suppliers with
simple problems, costing time and the loss of continuity in
your MSR. The 'hands-on' work will not make you a technical
genius, but will help you to carry out simple tasks such as
a bulb or fuse
replacement. It will also help people get over
'technophobia', often a problem hindering the successful
operation of the MSR.
