Mountainside, NJ—Kohler Academy’s sensory dark room just got bigger and better, thanks to the New Jersey Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The commission, which provides services to Kohler students to help support their visual needs, supplied materials and resources for them which the students are using in the newly renovated space.

Unlike traditional sensory rooms, sensory “dark” rooms offer a low-stimulation environment that is particularly beneficial for students with autism, Rhett syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with visual impairments.

“Our students use this space to meet various sensory-based needs,” said Caryssa Vitelli, Occupational Therapist at Kohler Academy. “For some students, it’s a break from the sensory stimuli often present in other environments. For others, it’s a space that helps them strengthen their visual skills.” 

The new sensory “dark” room has specialized vision materials like light boxes, waterless LED columns and other learning materials that help develop visual attention, observation, language, pre-writing and problem-solving skills. Because the room has less visual stimulation, students can more easily focus on illuminated objects and materials and improve their visual abilities.  

Kohler Academy is committed to providing exceptional care for children with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and continues to offer innovative therapeutic approaches to empower their students to reach their fullest potential.