After three years of planning, Habilitas Foundation (formerly the MAB-Mackay, Constance-Lethbridge and Camp Massawippi Foundations), the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton (PEL) Schools, and the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre (previously MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre) unveiled a brand new Snoezelen® room at the Mackay Centre and PEL Schools in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
Habilitas Foundation donors on hand to inaugurate the room were Merle Wertheimer, Christine Babkine (Montreal Real Estate Foundation for Kids), Katrin Nakashima, Doron Altman, and Kristine and Richard Daigle. Together, they raised over $75,000 to fund the project. They were joined by the school and rehabilitation centre administrators and staff that were involved in the conception and piloting of the room.
Katrin Nakashima spearheaded the initiative and was moved to see a plaque dedicated to her late son Justin, who attended Mackay Centre School, on the door of the Snoezelen room. "This means so much for the children who can't make choices. Thank you to everyone for making this possible," said Ms. Nakashima.
The Snoezelen room provides a multisensory environment that offers an array of interesting and controllable sensory experiences that can relax and calm, stimulate, empower, educate, bring joy, and encourage positive interactions and communication. The Mackay Centre and PEL School's Snoezelen room was designed with the goal of supporting the child's therapeutic and educational goals, and in turn, enhance their quality of life.
Upon entering the room, which is located on the second floor of the school, the lights glow soothing colours. From the sound of bubbles to the smell of aromas, visual stimulation to tactile boards and sound, students get to choose and direct their activities within the planned therapy session.
What is remarkable about this Snoezelen room is its multifunctionality. There is something for all users, whether the child is physically or visually impaired, deaf or hard-of-hearing, or has language or communication difficulties. The room is wheelchair accessible and the equipment can be used by children who use switches as an alternative access method.
A Snoezelen Committee was created to ensure that staff are trained to use the technical equipment optimally for the therapeutic benefits of the children. A newly developed sensory log will allow them to closely monitor and document each child's progress.
