Snoezelen

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Snoezelen

• By Nick Hintze and
• Anna Violo

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What is Snoezelen?

• Snoezelen is derived from the words snuffeln
  (to sniff, to snuffle) and doezelen (to doze,
  to snooze).
• It is a safe and non-threatening environment for
  children and adults with disabilities or other
  limiting conditions.
• It is a multi-sensory environment or a single
  sensory focus, where people enjoy gentle
  stimulation of the primary senses simply by
  adapting the lighting, atmosphere, sounds, and
  textures to the specific needs of the client at
  the time of use.

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Philosophy of Snoezelen

• Snoezelen is defined as the enabling
  approach, a sensitive, caring, non-directive
  approach in which an atmosphere of safety and
  security is created and free choice encouraged.
  It is a place where participants experience
  self-control, autonomous discovery, and
  exploration-achievements that overcome
  inhibitions, enhance self-esteem, and reduce
  tension.
• Essentially, it can be used to stimulate,
• relax, calm, or energize.

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History of Snoezelen

• It was developed in the Netherlands in the late
  1970s by two Dutch therapists in institutions
  caring for severely disabled people.
• An experimental sensory tent was constructed as a
  roof on poles with plastic sheeting dividers
  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. It was a tremendous success,
  especially with low-functioning clients who
  demonstrated positive verbal and nonverbal
  feedback.
• Over the past 15 years, Snoezelen has grown into
  a worldwide movement in over 30 countries with
  thousands of installations using advanced and
  stimulating technology.

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Snoezelen Rooms

• White Room
• Soft Play
• Dark Room

• Spas
• Swimming Pools
• Mobile Unit

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Whats inside?

• A checklist
• http//www.isna.de/index2e.html

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Who benefits?

• People, from various age ranges, with
  disabilities and other limiting conditions
• Children with Special Needs
• Developmental Disability
• Mental Health
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Autism
• Pain Control
• Stroke, and Traumatic Brain Injury
• Aging and Dementia (ie/ Alzheimers)

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Snoezelen A Mothers Story

• Brief Synopsis Critique/Analysis
• A decent article for Special Educators to read
  and become familiar with what a Snoezelen room
  is, as well as, where to buy such products.
• Where our previous efforts had failed, Snoezelen
  offered a sensory combination that could
  penetrate the barriers created by her
  disabilities and difficult early life. Best of
  all, Snoezelen gave Sarah something she could
  relate to and enjoy.

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Videoclip

• CBS News provides a brief description about
  Snoezelen and its treatment benefits
• Snoezelen in the News
• http//www.flaghouse.com/settings_AL.asp

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THE END

• There are so many wonderful stories that are a
  part of this room. On behalf of all the users of
  the room and their parents I would like to thank
  you for making our dream a reality, for giving
  our children and adults an environment that is so
  rich and full of possibilities.