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Sept. 14 and 15, 2009 were Extreme Makeover days at the Goodwill/Easter Seals Miami Valley Assistive Technology Services office. Volunteers helped transform the storage room into the Lending Library, a conference/lunch room was created, and a children's area was added to the Lending Library.
 
BEFORE AFTER
The Lending Library is now located and organized in one space, there is a new armoire that houses a computer to preview software and games, and a TV/DVD player for previewing videos. The featured items for September are the switches and switch activated items. These are in the display case adjacent to the armoire. Clients can try out the Big Mac button, as well as all the other buttons that operate anything from a Yahtzee game to a flipping dog. Each month will feature a different Lending Library category.
Artwork created by artists with disabilities is featured on the walls of the Lending Library. The pieces will rotate every couple of months and are for sale unless marked SOLD. Be sure to stop in to view the artwork periodically as the collection will be constantly changing. It is truly amazing how gifted these artists are.
The children's area features a train table, a sensory ball and tactile fidgets, and hands-on toys and manipulatives for the children to be entertained by while their parents or caregivers peruse the Library. The space is safe and contained allowing everyone to enjoy the space together.
The children's area is currently housing a Sensory Rover created by Southpaw Enterprises. The Assistive Technology Services Lending Library is only the second location for the Rover in the Miami Valley. The first is in the Radiology Lab at Children's Medical Center Dayton. The Rover has been created to relax the senses; a large, light-changing bubble column; long strands of light-changing LED lights; a projector that can project a rotating image on the wall (currently fish); a stereo system playing the soothing sounds of Pachabel; and aroma therapy with essential oils.
What are the benefits of a Sensory Rover?
In 1997, the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research published research that showed how rooms full of lights, textures, sounds and smells could relax people with severe and profound intellectual disability. The equipment was also shown to reduce aggression in patients.
Other research, such as that on the behavioral effects of long term multi-sensory stimulation published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology in 1998, has continued to underline the benefits of multi-sensory environments. And in 1999, the White Top Research Unit at the University of Dundee, Scotland, carried out extensive research which showed that multi-sensory rooms can benefit a wide range of clients, including children with disabilities, special needs, autism, and mental health issues, as well as the elderly.
The effects of a session in a multi-sensory room can last from a few minutes to a few days, and lengthen with an ongoing program. Typically, an individual will spend anywhere from 20 minutes up to 1 hour in a multi-sensory environment several times each week.
What are the plans for the Sensory Rover?
The Lending Library will have the Sensory Rover on a trial basis from Sept. 22 - Oct. 6, 2009. During that time, they are asking for feedback from participants on the affects the space has on clients and the potential for using the Rover on a regular basis. They need as much input as possible. If you wish to help provide feedback, contact Kevin Leonard or Nancy Bernotaitis at 461-3305 to make arrangements to visit the Lending Library.
During the trial period, and especially if the Rover becomes a permanent part of the children's area, therapists and educators can bring classes out to spend time in the Sensory Space on a regular basis. While they are there, students can trial and borrow software for use in the classroom, augmentative equipment, or other Lending Library items. And because the Rover is portable, it can be taken to schools, therapy locations, sheltered workshops, and other locations where it may not be possible for the clients to come to the Lending Library.
What items are in the Lending Library and how do I join?
On the left side of our home page are links to the Lending Library items. Each has a photo and description. Information is also provided on how to join the Lending Library. Because of a grant the GESMV ATS received, free family memberships are extended through 2010!!! This is the perfect try-it-before-you-buy-it opportunity. If clients are interested in purchasing the item, information on how to purchase is provided.
Give Kevin or Nancy a call at (937) 461-3305 TODAY and make plans to visit the Lending Library with your child/student and provide feedback, visit the library, borrow some items, and see what's available!
MORE PHOTOS
 
 
COMPUTER LAB
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