Case Study:

Sensory Library
in Session

Sensory Serenity
at Danbury Library

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The Background

Going to the library is a pleasurable experience for most, but for individuals with special needs, visiting public spaces can be a struggle. The directors at Danbury Public Library wanted to ensure that their library would be a safe and inviting space for the entire community. They approached Fun and Function with a unique request: Could the team create a calming sensory room within the library?

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The Vision

To create a safe and sensory-stimulating environment where library visitors can calm, self-regulate and focus.

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The Challenge

1. Housed within a local library, the sensory space would need to accommodate a wide range of visitors. Could the team create a space that would cater to kids, teens and adults?

2. The initial request took place in June and the sensory room needed to be completed by the fall. Would the team be able to complete the project in time?

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Before

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After

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The Process

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Choosing the Sensory Tools

To ensure that the space would accommodate the library’s range of visitors, the team selected versatile products with broad appeal.

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The Interactive Calming Station combines several pieces of equipment into a single wall-mounted unit, allowing visitors to select the activity that best suits their sensory needs and interests. The Fiber Optic LED Panel offers mesmerizing visual input while the interactive Color Changing Light Panel helps promote color recognition and visual tracking skills. Visitors can also cozy up on the padded bench and relax under the glow of the Waterless Color Column.

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The LimeLite LED Cube and Ball cast a soothing glow, creating a sense of calm and serenity throughout the space. For a double dose of calming and grounding input, visitors can grab a book and sink into the Jaxx Lounger Jr. with a Weighted Stuffed Animal from the room’s collection.

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With so many books around, the team also included active, flexible seating options to help boost concentration and focus. The Spiky Tactile Cushions allow kids to safely wiggle and wobble while they read and the Noise Reduction Headphones support visitors who are sensitive to auditory stimulation.

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Step 2: Design & Layout

The team designed the space with sensory stations in the corners and around the perimeter of the room, leaving the swings, which require the most floor space, in the center. This way, multiple kids can enjoy the room at the same time, while maintaining everyone's safety.

Design & layout of sensory room
Design & layout of sensory room
Sensory Room

The End Result

The team worked tirelessly through the summer and managed to complete the room in time. Danbury Library was proud to announce the fall opening of their fully equipped sensory room!

The unique selection of products and equipment is now being enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities. Katherine Chung, the library’s assistant director, reports that there have been close to 100 reservations each month!

 

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She is grateful for the team’s unmatched customer service and is looking forward to working with them in the future.

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Case Study:

Sensory Library

in Session

Sensory Serenity
at Danbury Library

The Background

Going to the library is a pleasurable experience for most, but for individuals with special needs, visiting public spaces can be a struggle. The directors at Danbury Public Library wanted to ensure that their library would be a safe and inviting space for the entire community. They approached Fun and Function with a unique request: Could the team create a calming sensory room within the library?

The Vision

To create a safe and sensory-stimulating environment where library visitors can calm, self-regulate and focus.

The Challenge

1. Housed within a local library, the sensory space would need to accommodate a wide range of visitors. Could the team create a space that would cater to kids, teens and adults?

2. The initial request took place in June and the sensory room needed to be completed by the fall. Would the team be able to complete the project in time?

Before

image
image

After

image
image
image
image

The Process

image

Choosing the Sensory Tools

To ensure that the space would accommodate the library’s range of visitors, the team selected versatile products with broad appeal.

image
image

The Interactive Calming Station combines several pieces of equipment into a single wall-mounted unit, allowing visitors to select the activity that best suits their sensory needs and interests. The Fiber Optic LED Panel offers mesmerizing visual input while the interactive Color Changing Light Panel helps promote color recognition and visual tracking skills. Visitors can also cozy up on the padded bench and relax under the glow of the Waterless Color Column..

image
image
image

The LimeLite LED Cube and Ball cast a soothing glow, creating a sense of calm and serenity throughout the space. For a double dose of calming and grounding input, visitors can grab a book and sink into the Jaxx Lounger Jr. with a Weighted Stuffed Animal from the room’s collection.

image
image

With so many books around, the team also included active, flexible seating options to help boost concentration and focus. The Spiky Tactile Cushions allow kids to safely wiggle and wobble while they read and the Noise Reduction Headphones support visitors who are sensitive to auditory stimulation.

image

Step 2: Design & Layout

The team designed the space with sensory stations in the corners and around the perimeter of the room, leaving the swings, which require the most floor space, in the center. This way, multiple kids can enjoy the room at the same time, while maintaining everyone's safety..

image
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The End Result

The team worked tirelessly through the summer and managed to complete the room in time. Danbury Library was proud to announce the fall opening of their fully equipped sensory room!

The unique selection of products and equipment is now being enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities. Katherine Chung, the library’s assistant director, reports that there have been close to 100 reservations each month! 

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She is grateful for the team’s unmatched customer service and is looking forward to working with them in the future.