Sensory Stimulation

We learn about the world constantly through our senses and by interacting with it. Children explore and play in different environments and in doing so they find out what burns them or hurts them, what can be eaten, which things smell nice and what different sounds signify. This process of exploration and learning continues throughout our lives. Because of physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities many people have not had the same opportunities to explore and interact with their environment. Sensory stimulation programmes are designed to provide environments in which people with disabilities can have the opportunity to use their senses to learn about and interact more meaningfully with the world. This photocopiable resource provides the reader with a step-by-step approach to organising a sensory stimulation programme for carers and other professionals working with people with physical, multiple or complex disabilities. Importantly, it also presents information on sensory stimulation within a framework that embraces the person's daily environment. Activity ideas are based around food, drink, personal and household care and crafts and are kept simple so they can be slotted into daily routine with minimum disruption. Assessment forms and checklists will help carers and support staff to monitor and understand their clients' needs and progress.