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NWSRA plans unique Sensory Room

Rolling Meadows, IL: Imagine a room where a child with Autism can feel safe, or a teenager with Asperger's can relax his mind through a multi-sensory experience, or an adult with Down syndrome can feel in control and make choices independently. Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), in partnership with its fundraising arm, Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), has plans to create such an environment. The "Snoezelen" sensory room would be the first of its kind implemented into a recreational facility in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Lindsey Ross, age 29, has participated in NWSRA programs since her diagnosis of Rett Syndrome in 1989 at the age of 3. Her mother, Diane stated "At times, due to the symptoms of Rett syndrome, Lindsey can become over stimulated. The chair, lights and music in the current sensory room has a calming impact on Lindsey, which helps her return to activities."

When asked about the implementation of the Snoezelen room, she added "The positive aspects of implementing a Snoezelen sensory room are far reaching for Lindsey, who takes in her environment through all of her senses. The ability for Lindsey to have control over what she needs and be able to meet those needs herself with minimal assistance from staff would increase her communication skills, fine and gross motor abilities and self-esteem. A new higher tech sensory room would be highly beneficial for Lindsey."

For many individuals with disabilities, limitations of movement, vision, hearing, cognitive ability, behavioral issues, anxiety, pain and other issues create obstacles to their enjoyment of life. Through technology and innovative design, the Snoezelen room is a controlled multi-sensory environment that helps to create a therapeutic alliance between the participant and staff as well as a safe place to develop life skills. The word "Snoezelen" is derived from a blend of the Dutch word "snuffelen" (to seek out, to explore) and "dozelen" (to doze, to snooze). It is a multi-sensory or single sensory environment were participants can experience stimulation of the senses by adapting the lighting, atmosphere, sounds, and textures to their specific needs.

The room will be therapeutic for individuals with a variety of disabilities, including developmental disabilities, Alzheimers and Dementia, acute chronic pain, mental health disorders and behavioral disorders. The goal of the room is to enhance sensory stimulation of participants who have difficulties receiving and responding to sensory input.

NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated "The implementation of this revolutionary technology will provide immeasurable benefits to individuals with a variety of disabilities. We look forward to partnering with individuals and businesses throughout the northwest suburbs to realize this dream."

Throughout the year, SLSF will share important updates on fundraising efforts and information about the room, as well as ways to donate on its Facebook page. For more information on the Snoezelen room or to donate, visit www.slsf.me.

About NWSRA:

NWSRA is a nonprofit organization that has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities throughout 17 Northwest suburbs in Chicago by providing outstanding recreational opportunities in a safe, supportive and social setting for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award in 2013 for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA's programs and success stories, please visit: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at (847) 392-2848.

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