East Shore Industries Inaugurates Snoezelen

A Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Therapy Room has arrived at East Shore Industries.

From two Dutch words, "snuffelen" meaning to seek out and "doezelen" meaning to snooze, the Snoezelen is a room where anyone can go to relax, especially people with autism and other developmental disabilities, dementia or brain injuries.

The Snoezelen provides many kinds of light, from a bubble tube light to a touch light that allows a person to feel light vibrating, said Linda Wehausen, program director with East Shore Industries.  With several comfortable seating areas, people can sit and watch colorful scenery slides, listen to relaxing music or play with the lights.

Two of the favorite features of the room are the bubble light  and a "cocoon" chair, Wehausen said.

Wehausen and other employees of East Shore Industries are enjoying helping their clients learn to take advantage of the high-tech room.

Most often used with an aide or therapist, the room can be adjusted to fit the needs of each person.

One advantage of Snoelzelen therapy is that it does not rely on verbal communication and may be beneficial for people with profound autism as it can provide stimulation for those who would otherwise be impossible to reach, according to Wehausen.

East Shore Industries in Algoma employs approximately 80 developmentally disabled adults, as well as provides other services to developmentally disabled people in Brown, Door and Kewaunee counties..

The center was made possible by a number of donors including Ron and Joan Olson, The Patricia Jadin Family, the Lorraine Oswald Family and Knights of Columbus.

The center's adults and their families will have an opportunity to learn more about the new Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Room at an open house from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at East Shore Industries, 813 Rabas St., Algoma.   The public is welcome and there will be facility tours, door prizes and refreshments.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: East Shore Industries Inaugurates Snoezelen