Sensory Stimulation: Sensory-Focused Activities for People with Physical and Multiple Disabilities

Susan Fowler

Nov 2006 · Jessica Kingsley Publishers

About this eBook

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-focused activities 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 sensory-focused activities 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.

About the author

Susan Fowler has 14 years' experience as an occupational therapist with a particular interest in providing services for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Scope (Vic.) Ltd is a non-profit organisation providing disability services throughout Melbourne and Victoria, Australia, to thousands of children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities. It has also co-published two other resources with JKP: Enhancing Self-Esteem: A Self-Esteem Training Package for Individuals with Disabilities and Anger Management: An Anger Management Training Package for Individuals with Disabilities.