Sensory experiences are essential for brain development in all children. For students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other sensory disorders, sensory experiences can be uncomfortable and counterproductive. Some children may be sensitive to loud noises, movement, and textures. While there are several significant benefits to sensory play for children regardless of age or developmental ability, some benefits include the enhancement of cognitive, fine, and gross motor skill development along with greater independence and sharpening of language and social skills.

For occupational therapists at the Elizabeth Lee Black School, creating a state-of-the-art sensory-based play space so that more students can learn and develop critical skills while feeling safe has been a vision. That vision is now becoming a reality.  Thanks to a grant from Erie Insurance, the Elizabeth Lee Black School will open a new sensory play space in the fall. The play space is equipped with a fitness trail along with various visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components so that learning is more enjoyable and accessible to a broader group of students we serve.

I asked the occupational therapists about their perspectives on the potential the sensory play space has for our students.  “The occupational therapy department is especially excited about the new sensory play space, and not just because we designed it! We created this space knowing the unique needs of our students as well as the desire to create outdoor sensory and play opportunities that were not previously available. We wanted our students to experience this new outdoor space using as many senses as possible, so we incorporated a bird feeder, wind chimes and spinners, bubble tubes, outdoor play kitchen and utensils, steppingstones, and many more items.”

Each classroom will also have their own raised garden bed and the ability to plant, water, and cultivate a flower, vegetable, or herb of their choosing. Our goal with this project was also ensuring accessibility so that all our students can use this space to their fullest potential. We hope that our students and staff are as excited to start interacting in this sensory space soon!

Last summer, Helen Tullio, an Erie artist with exceptional talents, donated her time to decorate the pathway for the fitness trail, which opened last summer. Helen drew the artwork for twelve activity stops along the trail, as well as a brightly colored ribbon rainbow and clouds that surround a butterfly garden enjoyed by students, adults and staff.

This week, I’m so excited to share that the Elizabeth Lee Black School will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the milestone of completing the sensory play space. I would like to thank Brian Wilking, Senior Community Outreach Specialist at Erie Insurance, and his team for considering us for a grant as well as our occupational therapists Amanda Richardson, Amanda Schleicher, Julie Baer, Katie Dillen, and Danielle Herman.