Saint Francis University Unveils State-of-The-Art Room for Students with Sensory needs.
Loretto, PA (11/19/2021) — Saint Francis University unveiled a new state-of-the-art sensory room for students with neurodiverse sensory needs. This makes Saint Francis one of only a handful of universities in the country to operate a dedicated sensory space.
University environments, such as classrooms, might be too loud, crowded, or visually overstimulating. Foodcourts may present with aversive smells. The dorm environment, sharing a bathroom, living space, and adjusting to routine changes, leads to a different sensory experience for each student. Saint Francis University understands that living within these sensory environments is key to a successful college experience.
Located in the campus library, the sensory room includes various activities and equipment to address all aspects of the student population's sensory needs and information on how to use the equipment and what sensory system it impacts.
The University, Centers for Academic Success, and the Occupational Therapy Department noted a student need and put into place a plan to assist all students in accessing their college experience. A sensory room was proposed, planned, and implemented. Four 5th year graduate OT students, class of 2021, Micaela Bessette, Emily Laslo, Allyson Isherwood, and Taylor Phillips, worked on this project as part of their Role-Emerging Level II Fieldwork Experience on campus. The library was instrumental in providing the space for the sensory room.
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