The NEST Sensory Room

The sensory room project LWSRA is envisioning would create a dedicated place that is a calming and relaxing where participants (which include those with physical, developmental or learning disabilities as well as behavior problems, visual impairments, multiple disabilities or other special needs) can go to rest, calm down and regroup when they are have a rough period while participating in one of our programs. The equipment in the room is designed for behavior modification and the sensory input required to get each individual back to a happy place. Having a dedicated sensory room will afford participants the opportunity to take back control of their emotions in order to reintegrate with the group and have a more successful program experience. Some individuals will enjoy being able to simply lie down and absorb the sensory input while others will investigate the more interactive areas. We envision this room to be therapeutic, calming and engaging through the use of special lighting, soft spaces, music, comfortable furniture and swings. Having a sensory room in our facility is critical to the success of the many participants who struggle communicating when they are upset or uncomfortable and simply need the opportunity to regroup.
 
Since 1976, the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) has provided adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities to residents of our seven park district members which include Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Peotone, and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Participants range in age from preschool through adult who are in special education classes, workshops, or who have recreational needs not met by regular park district programs. We offer a wide variety of quality programs each season to residents of all ages and all abilities. Our programs include social programs, a drama group, summer camps, trips, cooking, zumba, athletic programs (Special Olympics Illinois and Paralympic sports), an adult day program and so many more. Participants not only have fun, but make friends, get active, enjoy new experiences, and improve their social and life skills. Last year, LWSRA served 368 individuals with disabilities.

The mission of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association is to provide recreation and leisure services for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities while promoting greater disability awareness in the community. We work hard to create a community without limits for individuals with disabilities.

 

The Nest