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Recreation and Leisure Studies
Multi Sensory Room
The Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) or Multi-Sensory Room (MSR) is managed through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (REL) at the College at Brockport. The Children with Autism Recreation Program (CARP) is a recreational program that focuses on promoting the leisure-related skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and reinforces the value of recreation inclusion for college students. CARP is operated in coordination with Continuing Developmental Services (CDS) and the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department at The College at Brockport. The MSR is an extention of this initiative for the Rochester community.
Description
The actual room is located in the Brockport Central School (BCS) district at the A.D. Oliver Middle School that adjoins to the College at Brockport campus. The MSR is used during the Children with Autism Recreation Program (CARP) that is coordinated by Nancy VanderMolen, Therapeutic Recreation professor in REL. The MSR provides hands on experience for college students that will be working with individuals with special needs in the future.
The MSR is a dedicated space with multi-sensory equipment that can stimulate the senses and promote neuro-physiological changes such as relaxation, contentment, and the ability to focus. The MSR also offers opportunities for choice, interaction, and the development of relationships. Its purpose is to maximize a participant's ability to focus and respond in a meaningful, productive way to situations, things, and people in their environment.
The concept of MSE was first introduced in the 1970s by two Dutch therapists to reduce apathy and agitation by providing a space, called a Snoezelen room, that appeals to all the senses and allows individuals to make choices nonverbally. MSE can also be used for those with dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, intellectual or mental disabilities or even to boost relaxation and creativity among highly stressed corporate executives.
The College at Brockport MSR was initiated in 2008 by Dr. Joel Frater, chairperson of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and acquired through member items from Senator George Maziarz (2007) and Assemblyman Bill Reilich (2008).
