Mastic Beach, NY, January 6, 2015 – The William Floyd Special Education Department and the William Floyd High School Art Department recently collaborated on a multi-sensory room, an inclusive space where students with special needs can engage and explore their senses. The room, designed for the high school’s 8:1:1 students and depicting an underwater sea environment, was painted under the direction of art teachers, Theresa Bianco and Susan Plunket. The William Floyd High School Best Buddies Club and the Student Government were also instrumental in raising funds to make this room possible.
“The interactive equipment provides a multi-sensory experience with visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular and gross motor activities,” said Christine Inzerillo, a special education teacher at William Floyd High School.
“Students can sit on bean bag chairs while watching a light show on the wall or listen to music while bouncing on an exercise ball. Research has shown that these types of rooms can help improve student communication by their interaction with the surrounding environment.”
Pictured: The William Floyd High School students and their teachers who worked on the multi-sensory room (back row, left to right): Al'Lyah King; art teacher, Susan Plunket; Sophia Zoller; Stephanie Bondietti; Katherine Moya; Tasia El-Quhir; Nia Scott; and special education teacher, Christine Inzerillo. (Front row, left to right): Carolina Fuentes; Celina Cruz; and art teacher Theresa Bianco.
The multi-sensory room also provides an opportunity for special education students to enjoy visual stimulation with a light show.
