Bancroft’s Gloucester Adult Day & Employment Program unveils a state-of-the-art sensory room, generously donated by a Bancroft family, to support individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thanks to the generosity of a dedicated Bancroft family donor, a brand-new sensory room is now available to support individuals at our Gloucester Adult Day & Employment Program in Swedesboro, NJ. Sensory rooms are carefully designed environments that provide controlled sensory experiences, including lighting, textures, sounds, and scents, to assist individuals with sensory processing challenges.
The new sensory room in Gloucester is equipped with various tools designed to enhance relaxation and engagement. Features include a fiber acoustic chair that reduces external noise for a calming experience, a solar projection wall that offers dynamic and visually captivating displays tailored to individual needs, a multi-sensory mirror wall, fiber optic light tubes that stimulate both touch and vision, and customizable rainbow light tubes.
“The sensory room gives individuals the opportunity to find comfort in a way that works best for them,” said Dr. Jodi Taylor, OTD, OTR, Senior Occupational Therapist at Bancroft who helped design the sensory room. “For some, it’s a quiet space to reset; for others, it’s a place to activate their senses in a structured and positive way.”
The impact of this sensory room is already evident. Staff members have observed individuals who previously had difficulty staying engaged in group activities finding success after spending time in the space. One individual, known for his high-energy movement and difficulty sitting still, was able to relax in the fiber acoustic chair, listening to soft music for several minutes. Afterward, he rejoined a group activity with a renewed sense of focus and participation.
Bancroft’s commitment to providing innovative support for individuals with I/DD is strengthened by contributions from families and the community. This new sensory room is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and generosity in creating meaningful experiences for the children and adults in our care.
Watch the video below featuring the new sensory room:
