Thoughts from a Therapist: Transforming Sensory Spaces with Versatile Multi-Purpose Equipment
By Anna Willis, Active Play Therapies, 1 October 2024
In this month’s Thoughts from a Therapist blog, Anna Willis takes a look at how sensory spaces can be transformed using versatile, multi-purpose equipment.
Another fabulous SIE conference completed last month! I loved hearing updates from all different areas and also had a great time hosting two live workshops with SIE’s Beth Smithson on ASI equipment and spaces. I described myself as a sensory equipment magpie at one point, which I think sums it up quite well. I love anything that can be repurposed, creating cheaper pieces of equipment, working out what is available in the environment already, as well as anything shiny and new that comes out of official sensory equipment companies.
In the workshops, we ended up discussing how it can be helpful to have pieces of equipment that meet multiple needs and can be used in various ways. I also spoke about how I’ve used gymnastics spaces to do sensory integration and how gymnastic equipment companies can be goldmines of pieces that can be used therapeutically.
A beautiful example that crosses both these areas in a satisfying Venn diagram-esque way is the Fitness Wheel by Tumbl Trak. (I’m not affiliated with Tumbl Trak but saw this piece of equipment being used in the Star Clinic footage and thought it looked brilliant! I feel I need one for whatever clinic space I make next) It’s essentially 2 inner tubes stuck together with a bouncy flooring and D-rings so that it can be used as a suspended swing, either as a bowl to sit in, or from one point where you can sit on the tyres. It can be turned upside down on the floor to be used as a trampoline; it can be filled with balls or soft items and used as a ball pool; it can be used for balancing on the edges; or it can be used as a wheel to roll in.
You can’t beat a multi-purpose piece of equipment for ASI – particularly any that can be turned into a swing!
Wishing you all a cosy autumn filled with crunchy leaves and snuggly blankets!
Anna
PS If you’re looking for sensory-related products or equipment, why not take a look at our Everything Sensory Directory? It’s an easy-to-use directory for both professionals and families covering everything from sensory products, toys and equipment to sensory services and qulaified sensory integration therapists. Visit Everything Sensory here.
Thoughts From a Therapist is a regular series written by Advanced SI Practitioner Anna Willis about something that piqued her professional interest or inspired her in some way over the last month. Anna, an occupational therapist and owner of Active Play Therapies.
