Sensory breaks are an essential component of therapeutic strategies for children, particularly those with sensory processing difficulties. Creating a designated space where children can take breaks when feeling overwhelmed can greatly support their regulation and emotional well-being. This area should be quiet with reduced distractions, providing a calming environment that allows children to self-regulate. Equally important is the inclusion of sensory tools that cater to their specific preferences, helping them find comfort and manage overload effectively.
In a break space for children, various tools may include items such as weighted blankets, compression wear or stuffed animals for deep pressure and proprioceptive input, sensory tools like soothing hand fidgets, visual aids like lava lamps or calming images, and noise-canceling headphones to reduce auditory input. By personalizing the break area and offering a range of tools, children can engage in activities that support their needs and help them regain a sense of calm. This dedicated space acts as a sanctuary where children can take a break, recharge, and regain their focus, ultimately facilitating their overall well-being and promoting a more positive experience.
Sommerfly Relaxer Travel-Sized Weighted blanket for day useSommerfly Wristful FidgetsSommerfly Sleep Tight Weighted Blanket
It is important to note that all occupational therapists are trained in sensory processing and many have extensive experience and deep understanding in this area. Whenever possible, seek guidance from an occupational therapist for individualized sensory recommendations.
Stay tuned for our next installment of Everyday Sensory Solutions by Sommerfly. For more information about Sommerfly Products visit Therapro.com.
Guest Blogger: Kristi Langslet, OTR/L
Kristi Langslet, OTR/L is the proud owner of Sommerfly, a company dedicated to providing individuals of all ages with sensory needs unique product designs that are meticulously crafted in the USA for optimal quality and construction. Most importantly, Sommerfly’s passion is to serve those who use our products.
Creating community, supporting students at the ASHA Schools Connect 2023 conference!
From July 13th to July 15th, 2023, Long Beach, California witnessed a vibrant gathering of school based speech and language professionals and vendors at the 2023 ASHA Schools Connect conference. Our team from Therapro was delighted to participate in this enriching event, and we are excited to share with you the three standout highlights from this remarkable conference.
1. Expanding Horizons: Connecting with Vendors and Embracing Innovation
One of the most exhilarating aspects of ASHA Schools Connect 2023 was the opportunity to connect with vendors who showcased cutting-edge products and assessments. For Therapro, this was a gateway to introducing new items on our website and expanding our range of therapeutic supplies. Among the remarkable additions are the innovative ezpz feeding products, designed to make mealtime a breeze for children with various needs. These products promote independence and self-feeding while encouraging healthy eating habits.
In addition to feeding products, we have also embraced new evaluation tools that empower speech-language pathologists in their practice. Some new additions to the Therapro website include the Oral Passage Understanding Scale (OPUS) and the Early Functional Communication Profile (EFCP) . The OPUS has proven to be a valuable tool for assessing listening comprehension and the EFCP measures subtle, functional changes in nonverbal communication skills in children with severe disabilities.
Be sure to check out all of the new products recently added to the Therapro website and stop back often to see all of the updates that are coming!
2. Empowering Therapists: Product Demonstrations
The Therapro booth at the conference showcased the latest therapeutic products, with a focus on empowering therapists and engaging their young clients. One of the best parts of conferences is debuting our newest products. At ASHA Schools Connect the star attractions was Kokolingo, a versatile and interactive language-building game. Its adaptability allows therapists to customize sessions according to individual goals, making articulation therapy engaging and fun for children of all ages.
Beyond unveiling new products, we also reintroduced classic favorites like NOVENOPS. This captivating game has been a staple in speech therapy for years, promoting language skills and cooperation among players. As therapists and attendees rediscovered the joy of NOVENOPS, it served as a reminder of the enduring impact of tried and tested therapeutic tools.
3. Spreading Joy: Prizes and Giveaways
ASHA Schools Connect 2023 was not only an occasion for learning and networking but also a time for celebrating the community’s dedication and passion. As part of the festivities, Therapro proudly hosted a series of exciting giveaways, including a generous Therapro gift certificate. This certificate gives therapists the freedom to explore our extensive catalog and select the supplies that best suit their therapeutic needs.
In addition to the gift certificate, we were thrilled to give away a copy of “Social Language Rules and Tools: A Preschool Curriculum,” an essential book for professionals seeking to enhance social communication skills in preschoolers. This valuable resource is packed with practical strategies and activities to foster meaningful connections and enrich social interactions.
Embracing Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration
The ASHA Schools Connect 2023 conference was a success for Therapro, fostering new partnerships, introducing innovative products, and reigniting enthusiasm for timeless therapeutic tools. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an enriching event, and we’re thrilled to share these highlights with our community of therapists.
As we move forward, we are committed to continuously expanding our range of therapeutic supplies, ensuring therapists have access to the latest tools to empower the young minds they work with. At Therapro, we firmly believe in the power of growth, innovation, and collaboration, and we are excited to embark on this journey together with all the incredible professionals who make a difference in the lives of children every day.
We eagerly look forward to the next ASHA Schools Connect event, where we can once again join this dynamic community, learn, grow, and celebrate the remarkable field of speech and language therapy.
Could your class or sensory room benefit from a versatile seat that will absorb user energy, enhance posture, encourage time on task, moderate repetitive motion, all with a positive sensory input?
If you’ve just answered ”Yes” then the AlertSeats® are right for you.
Therapro has them. Available is five sizes, AlertSeats® will fit every one of your students. Choose from 5 stock sizes to provide comfortable active movement seating for pre-K students to the tallest teens or adults.
AlertSeats® have seated thousands of active learners in hundreds of schools and therapy settings throughout the US and Canada since 2009. Made in the US, they offer guaranteed durability, versatility and comfort in a proven design.
Just three sturdy components make up the AlertSeat — Base, Ball and Cover. They ship compactly and assembly easily with adjustable firmness.
5 Sizes of AlertSeats® shown with royal blue covers – Small, Small/Medium, Medium, Large, and XL.AlertSeats® in the classroom with school colors, size large shown.
Here’s what teachers and therapists using AlertSeat are saying:
“I absolutely love your (AlertSeat) ball chairs, and have been using them in my classroom for over 6 years.”
Jessica- New Hampshire elementary school.
“Students seem to flourish with the use of the (Alert)seats, as they are better able to focus on the work at hand.”
Indiana Life Skills teacher, students ages 7 to 12
“We’re all about data. We’ve seen results with AlertSeats in students with a range of disabilities”
Kate, a Pennsylvania large district school-based OT
AlertSeats® steel bases feature six or eight legs and rubber feet. They’re warranted for 10 years. Every assembled AlertSeats® will support up to 300 lbs. Bases nest for efficient shipping and storage, and are color matched by size. Color coded interior balls are correctly positioned inside their cover before shipment, with a manual pump included and full instructions.
AlertSeat® covers, with double zipper pulls, go on and off easily, and include strong Velcro attaching straps and a handle for a totally secure and stable but readily removable attachment to their base. Covers are sewn from an abrasion resistant laminated woven nylon fabric that is cold water washable and stain resistant.
Interior balls are heavy duty ABS molded to fit correctly and adjustable to provide the level of seating comfort that best suits each student. Ball covers and balls are warranted for 2 years in classroom service.
Optional removable mobility dollies with lockable swivel casters can be added to any AlertSeat® in all sizes except the smallest.
AlertSeat® handles allow easy movementAlertSeat® shown on its optional removable mobility dolly with lockable swivel casters. AlertSeat® Velcro straps safely secure the base, ball and cover as one comfortable and stable seat
AlertSeats® in use will never roll around the room or create a hazard. They can easily be placed on top of the desk to facilitate after school cleaning. Other great features of AlertSeats® include:
No flimsy plastic parts or bolted connections to crack or fail in service.
Safety and total stability combined with stimulating, energy absorbing motion define AlertSeats® wherever they are in use.
Put a correctly sized AlertSeat® into your classroom, therapy or sensory room soon.
Guest Author: Howard Newman. Howard Newman of Newman Adaptive, introduced his unique concept of fitness and nutrition in the work place in 1991. Howard is the engineer of AlertSeat and AlertDesk.
