History of the Sensory Program at AVS

History of the Sensory Program at AVS

Since 2003, Allegheny Valley School (AVS) has devoted significant time and resources to develop a Sensory Program specifically geared toward individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. While many assessment tools exist to identify sensory processing problems in children and adults with less severe disabilities, AVS identified a need for these types of resources for individuals with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. The Sensory Program that has been developed includes a checklist, worksheet and summary along with a user's guide for these tools. In addition, a set of sensory activities has been developed to allow those assisting the individuals to have ready access to techniques that benefit each individual based on his or her sensory preferences and needs.

In 1999, the first sensory room was installed at AVS to provide individuals with visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory stimulation. A variety of exciting equipment was incorporated into the room, including bubble columns, fiber optic light strands, optokinetic projection wheels, sound systems and aromatherapy.

While the AVS staff was enthusiastic about the sensory equipment available, program administrators observed that using the sensory equipment fully was limited by minimal training opportunities and ongoing support for the staff. It was determined that the development of a comprehensive sensory program was necessary in order for clients to achieve maximum benefits from sensory activities. As a result, AVS began pursuing a grant with The Pittsburgh Foundation for the development of a comprehensive sensory program. The grant proposed to hire a consultant to: (1) design and coordinate the program and develop a checklist and other tools to evaluate an individual's sensory-based characteristics; (2) implement training programs for the staff and provide ongoing support; and (3) meet regularly with staff and to serve as an in-house resource. The grant was awarded for a two-year period and began in April 2003.

During the first year of the grant, much of the groundwork was established. Accomplishments included:

• Identifying resources with the AVS system;
• Establishing networks of contacts locally, regionally, and internationally;
• Reviewing existing literature about sensory integration and sensory programs;
• Developing and designing case studies to document the outcomes of the program;
• Designing a plan for training staff about the importance of sensory system development and the impact of sensory processing disorders;
• Developing the checklist tools.

Moving into the second year of the grant, further work was completed:

• Case studies were implemented and data analyzed;
• Existing sensory, living and program environments were restructured to make better use of sensory equipment already available;
• Additional equipment was identified;
• A Sensory Toolbox with materials for individuals' use was developed;
• A regional workshop was held in the Pittsburgh area;
• A website was developed for the AVS intranet;
• Staff throughout the AVS network received ongoing training;
• Policies, procedures and resources to provide for training of new staff were established.

While a great deal of progress was made in two years, AVS recognized that there was great interest in the community among other providers and families and wanted to more widely share information about sensory development. As the initial grant was coming to a close, AVS pursued a grant from FISA Foundation to extend the consultant for a third year and to purchase additional equipment. The FISA Foundation funding allowed the following goals to be accomplished:

• Publishing the case studies;
• Establishing a quarterly sensory special interest group for the community;
• Creating an internet website to share information globally;
• Continuing to incorporate appropriate use of sensory equipment and activities within the AVS system and support staff in this effort.