The Sensory area is discretely located in the lower level of the Activity Centre and is divided into two adjacent wheel chair accessible rooms. The sensory reception room is bright and airy with views overlooking the riding arena and is home to a vibrating ball pool and a collection of colourful, interactive pieces of equipment to tease and delight all the senses. The smaller sensory room which is climate and light controlled, has no windows and provides escape from the outside world. It is a white room with soft lighting and soft furnishings. The remotely controlled equipment includes a projector, swinging hammock chair, bubble tubes, fibre optic lights, 2 interactive wall panels, an aroma diffuser and a sound system. The users can create their own visual wonderland in a peaceful, secluded and safe place; there are no set therapy goals, although research has shown that when used appropriately there are multiple therapeutic benefits.

A certain mystery surrounds the purpose and function of these two rooms and particularly the Sensory Room and perhaps this a good place to dispel some of the misunderstandings. Any accompanied child or adult with special needs, may visit and have fun using the equipment just as they might enjoy a visit to the local park to play on the swings and slides, or take a walk in the gardens. However, to enjoy the real benefits of the Sensory area, WindReach limits access to parents, therapists and carers who have completed the three hour training ie people who have the benefit of understanding the underlying philosophy. It is a place where infants, children and adults with disabilities or other limiting conditions can enjoy gentle stimulation of the primary senses. It can be used to relax, calm and also in some instances stimulate or energise. The room has a timeless quality, totally removing one from the outside world and generating an atmosphere of peace and calmness. Undoubtedly, it is a resource to improve and enrich the quality of life. For example children who exhibit autistic behaviours and who have poor expressive language and communication skills often become more communicative; one parent who visited the facility was overwhelmed when her young son (usually mute) spoke to her as he lay rocking in the hammock, fascinated by the colourful light display all around him. There are countless other examples of success stories.

The Sensory area at WindReach continues to evolve with new equipment donated in 2009 by the International Women’s Group. Under the guidance of Executive Director, Lance Furbert, and Activities Coordinator, Natasha Dowling  the demand for this programme will continue to increase.