Snoezelen is a multi-sensory environment created by two dutch therapists in the late 1970's. Originally starting as a roof on poles with plastic sheeting dividers, this first sensory tent was filled with simple effects such as a fan blowing shards of paper, ink mixed with water and projected onto a screen, musical instruments, tactile objects, scent bottles, soaps, and flavorful foods. Once others discovered the great amount of success that this project provided for therapists with patients who have severe disabilities it began to rise and become popular across all of Europe.

To this day there are over 30 countries with Snoezelen installations in place and they say that it is only in its beginning stages. The magnitude of opportunities the snoezelen provides not only allow for those with disabilities to gain sensory experiences, but it is also being used to help the elderly suffering from dementia such as Alzheimer's, for people with mental illness, as well as for those in chronic pain, with challenging behaviors, acquired brain injury, and other conditions.

Research is currently being done to implement a similar product through video projection called Gesturetek. It reacts to actions within the projection and provides sounds that correspond with movements and actions within the projection.

This product is a groundbreaking step in inclusive education and I believe this type of environment can benefit students of all ages. For some students it might be exactly what they need to release their feelings of frustration or anger and for others it will tingle their usually distracted senses.

The need for inclusion and acceptance of all is a pressing issue and I truly believe that this product can help make great strides in the direction of seeing everyone as an individual not as their medical diagnosis.

Snoezelen is a multi-sensory environment created by two dutch therapists in the late 1970's. Originally starting as a roof on poles with plastic sheeting dividers, this first sensory tent was filled with simple effects such as a fan blowing shards of paper, ink mixed with water and projected onto a screen, musical instruments, tactile objects, scent bottles, soaps, and flavorful foods. Once others discovered the great amount of success that this project provided for therapists with patients who have severe disabilities it began to rise and become popular across all of Europe.

To this day there are over 30 countries with Snoezelen installations in place and they say that it is only in its beginning stages. The magnitude of opportunities the snoezelen provides not only allow for those with disabilities to gain sensory experiences, but it is also being used to help the elderly suffering from dementia such as Alzheimer's, for people with mental illness, as well as for those in chronic pain, with challenging behaviors, acquired brain injury, and other conditions.

Research is currently being done to implement a similar product through video projection called Gesturetek. It reacts to actions within the projection and provides sounds that correspond with movements and actions within the projection.

This product is a groundbreaking step in inclusive education and I believe this type of environment can benefit students of all ages. For some students it might be exactly what they need to release their feelings of frustration or anger and for others it will tingle their usually distracted senses.

The need for inclusion and acceptance of all is a pressing issue and I truly believe that this product can help make great strides in the direction of seeing everyone as an individual not as their medical diagnosis.