All posts by Allyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

SENcastle all in one sensory solution

Discover the SENcastle: A Revolutionary Sensory Solution

Occupational therapists know that every child’s sensory system is unique, requiring individualized approaches to address their specific needs. Often, creating an effective sensory space demands substantial room and specialized equipment. Enter the SENcastle – a compact, portable sensory room that offers a sensory solution designed to transform how therapists address sensory processing challenges.

A Game-Changer for Meeting Sensory Needs

Developed in collaboration with special education teachers and sensory integration therapists, the SENcastle offers a comprehensive and adaptive sensory experience. This multimodal sensory device connects children’s sensory needs with assistive technology, providing controlled sensory input through five sensory systems: visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive.

Why Occupational Therapists Will Love the SENcastle

1. Versatile and Adaptable: The SENcastle fits seamlessly into most environments, whether it’s a classroom, therapy clinic, or community setting. Its compact design ensures it can be integrated into individual or group settings, as well as shared spaces for universal access.

SENcastle cushions, 6 specially designed cushions that offer a range of sensory experiences

2. Comprehensive Sensory Input: With its thoughtfully designed components, the SENcastle offers a wide range of sensory experiences. The central light column, equipped with advanced LED technology, projects dynamic visual effects, while integrated sound effects enhance the auditory experience. Six specially designed sensory cushions provide varied tactile and proprioceptive input, creating a holistic sensory environment.

3. Easy to Use: The SENcastle is user-friendly and straightforward to operate. With five control buttons and RFID-enabled sensory cards, therapists can easily manage sensory scenes, adjust sound and light intensity, and customize the experience to meet each child’s needs.

Therapist and child inside the SENcastle using the easy to use RFID cards to create sensory scenes
SENcastle a versatile sensory solution with 6 sensory cushions and a central light column

4. Portable and Space-Efficient: One of the most significant challenges in creating sensory spaces is the requirement for large, dedicated areas and extensive equipment. The SENcastle addresses this by offering a portable solution that can be set up quickly and efficiently, taking up minimal space while providing maximum benefits.

5. Promotes Independence and Generalization: By integrating sensory experiences into everyday situations, the SENcastle helps children generalize and apply behaviors learned in specialized settings to their daily activities. This promotes greater independence and enhances their ability to navigate various environments successfully.

Features and Technical Specifications

  • Ergonomic design with spacious interior
  • Adjustable sound and light intensity
  • A central light column with visual effects
  • Integrated sound effects
  • Six sensory cushions for varied input
  • Durable construction with easy maintenance
  • RFID-enabled sensory cards with multiple scenes
  • Bluetooth Headphones are included to allow use even when in a shared space
  • Recording capable for personalised messages and sounds
  • 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Transforming Therapy Sessions

Imagine a sensory solution that not only addresses individual sensory needs but also transforms the environment to optimize therapy sessions. The SENcastle does precisely that, offering a space for “sensory discharge” to calm overstimulated children or a “sensory charging” station to energize those needing additional input.

Bringing Sensory Integration to New Heights

For occupational therapists, the SENcastle is more than just a sensory room; it’s a revolutionary tool that redefines how sensory integration therapy is delivered. Its versatility, portability, and comprehensive features make it an invaluable addition to any therapeutic setting, empowering therapists to create tailored sensory experiences that foster growth, independence, and success.

Ready to explore the SENcastle’s potential? Visit Therapro’s website to learn more and discover how this innovative sensory room can transform your therapy sessions.

Therapro's Booth at CAOT 2024

Exploring Halifax: 2024 CAOT Conference Highlights

The 2024 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia was an incredible journey for the Therapro team with many highlights to share. Setting out from the Therapro warehouse in Framingham, MA, the Therapro team embarked on a road trip filled with anticipation and excitement. Along the way, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, soaking in the beauty of nature surrounding them.

Upon arriving at the conference, the Therapro team was ready to showcase the latest and greatest products to the passionate occupational therapy community. From assistive technology devices to sensory items, the Therapro booth was buzzing with activity as attendees participated in hands-on product demonstrations.

Among the conference favorites were the Functionalhand and Eazyholds, which captivated attendees by showcasing how they could seamlessly collaborate to accomplish fine motor tasks, especially when grip or grasp is limited. Attendees were fascinated by the versatility and effectiveness of these tools in enhancing functional independence.

Sensory items also stole the spotlight, with the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet captivating attendees as they experienced firsthand the benefits of dynamic seating options. Fidgets, weighted items, and resources like the Sensory Connection Program and The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning were met with enthusiasm, highlighting the growing importance of sensory interventions in therapy.

For school-based therapists, Therapro offered a wide array of resources to support fine motor development, including various pencil grips, raised line paper, and slant boards. The Fine Motor Olympics, a collection of engaging activities designed to promote fine motor skills, garnered significant interest and excitement among attendees.

Evaluations such as Here’s How I Write and the COMPs provided valuable insights into assessment tools that can inform intervention strategies and promote optimal outcomes for clients.

The CAOT conference was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration. Interacting with dedicated therapists made it a truly rewarding experience for the Therapro team. We’re thrilled to continue supporting the OT community.

Therapro's Booth at ASHA 2023; table with blue tablecloth and the Therapro logo with Therapro games on display

Therapro at the ASHA 2023 Annual Convention

A Recap of Unforgettable Moments

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2023 Annual Convention was a whirlwind of excitement, innovation, and meaningful connections. Therapro was thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event held in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. We had a fantastic time showcasing our wide range of products, connecting with industry friends, and participating in some unforgettable highlights that made the event truly special.

Pirate Lucky’s Special Visit from Kokolingo

One of the most memorable moments of our time at ASHA 2023 was the special visit by Pirate Lucky from Kokolingo. Lucky’s visit brought an element of fun and excitement to our booth that left our guests both entertained and informed about Kokolingo. Kokolingo is a speech articulation app, developed by a licensed Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists, that will help accelerate progress through gamified speech articulation exercises. Lucky, with his colorful attire and boundless energy, engaged visitors and provided a peek into the world of Kokolingo. His visit was a hit among attendees and left a lasting impression on all those who stopped by the Therapro booth.

Live Demonstrations of Speech and Language Learning Games

At Therapro, we believe in the power of play to promote speech and language development. ASHA 2023 allowed us to demonstrate some of our favorite games designed for this purpose. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of Novenops, Trunks, Lion in My Way, and many others – all fantastic tools for speech and language pathologists, educators, and parents seeking innovative ways to engage and support children in their language journey. The interactive nature of these games truly captivated the audience, illustrating the effectiveness of play-based learning.

Product Spotlight: Social Language Rules & Tools

Social Language Rules & Tools: A Preschool Curriculum of activities to improve social–ability

Therapro’s “Product Spotlight Corner” at ASHA 2023 featured the book Social Language Rules & Tools: A Preschool Curriculum. This curriculum is a valuable resource for professionals working with young children, providing a structured and engaging framework to teach social language skills. Attendees were able to explore this curriculum up close, gaining insight into how it can benefit their therapy sessions and classrooms.

Visits from Friends of Therapro

Our booth at ASHA 2023 was not only a hub for our products but also a gathering place for friends and collaborators in the industry. We were thrilled to welcome friends of Therapro, including Hillel from Spark Innovations, Dawn from ezpz, and Mary from Chewy Tubes. These connections and partnerships underscore the sense of community and mutual support that characterizes the world of speech and language therapy.

Demonstrating Our Wide Range of Products

At Therapro, we take pride in offering a diverse range of products to support speech and language development. During ASHA 2023, our team had a blast demonstrating our extensive catalog, which spans from assistive technology, to oral motor tools, to feeding solutions, to games that foster social and emotional language development. Our goal is to provide professionals and caregivers with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the lives of those with speech and language challenges.

The ASHA 2023 Annual Convention in Boston was a memorable experience for the Therapro team. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, showcase our products, and contribute to the advancement of speech and language therapy. The enthusiasm and passion of everyone we met at the convention were truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to support speech and language development for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who visited us at ASHA 2023, and we can’t wait to see you again at future events and conferences. Together, we’ll keep making a difference in the lives of those we serve.