Everything about the contents and ambiance of a new sensory room on the campus of Missouri Southern screams “relax,” which is the entire point.
Located in the Student Success Center in Hearnes Hall, the room provides a therapeutic way for visitors to de-stress and enjoy activities that stimulate all of the senses.
“I belong to a national organization called the Association on High Education and Disability, and every year I go to the national conference,” says Lori Musser, coordinator of Student Disability Services. “This year they had set up a sensory room and I went to look at it.”
“We see a lot of students who have been diagnosed with anxiety or ADHD and need those senses stimulated.”
An empty office was available in the Student Success Center, and it was soon stocked with items that make the sensory room so engaging. There’s a space to enjoy coloring, music, a weighted blanket, music, a sand tray, and a “plant” made of fiber optic strands to run your hands through.
The room was completed about two weeks ago. Signage was put up in Hearnes Hall and students have already started taking advantage of the room.
“We’ve had students who pass the signs come in to check it out,” says Musser. “It’s a place where they can come in and relax if they’re feeling stressed out.”
But the sensory room isn’t just for students. If faculty or staff members are in need to a place to de-stress, the sensory room is open to all.
“We all need it. We all get stressed out,” says Musser. “You’re more productive if you’re relaxed.”
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