Our Approach to Inclusive Play for All Ages and Abilities
Why Inclusive Play Matters:
Inclusive play is more than just fun—it’s essential for the learning, development, and well-being of everyone, from children to seniors. At Valley Inclusive PlaySpace, we’re creating a space where neurodivergent and developmentally disabled individuals can thrive.
Neurodivergent refers to people whose brains function differently, whether from birth with conditions like autism, ADHD, or anxiety, or from acquired conditions later in life such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), dementia, or other cognitive challenges.
Our play spaces are designed to meet the needs of every individual, supporting physical, emotional, and social well-being across the lifespan.
Access to Play for All: Every individual, regardless of their abilities or age, deserves the opportunity to engage in play in an environment that is designed to meet their unique needs, whether they’re navigating sensory processing challenges, developmental disabilities, or cognitive conditions.
Building Skills Through Play: Play is a powerful tool for development. It enhances motor skills, fosters creativity, and builds social and cognitive abilities across the lifespan, helping neurodivergent individuals and seniors experiencing cognitive decline remain engaged and connected.
A Sense of Belonging: Our play space is designed to be welcoming and supportive, creating an environment where every person—whether a child with autism, a senior with dementia, or an individual with a traumatic brain injury—feels they belong and are valued members of the community.
What is a Snoezelen Room?
A Snoezelen Room is a multi-sensory environment designed to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the senses in a controlled way. Originally developed in the Netherlands, Snoezelen Rooms are used in various settings to support neurodivergent individuals of all ages, particularly children with sensory processing challenges and seniors with cognitive conditions like dementia or TBI.
Key Features of a Snoezelen Room:
Calming Lights and Sounds: Gentle, ambient lighting and soothing sounds help individuals regulate their sensory experiences and find calm.
Tactile Surfaces and Textures: Soft materials and interactive surfaces provide safe, tactile stimulation for exploration at one’s own pace.
Flexible Design: Snoezelen Rooms can be customized to meet specific needs, offering a safe and engaging space for everyone, from children to seniors.
What is a Superactive Sensory Room?
Unlike the calming nature of a Snoezelen Room, a Superactive Sensory Room is designed to engage and stimulate. These rooms encourage movement, interaction, and sensory exploration, making them ideal for individuals of all ages to actively engage with their environment, whether they are children with autism or seniors needing to maintain physical engagement.
Key Features of a Superactive Sensory Room:
Interactive Sensory Tools: From swings to climbing walls, these rooms are filled with equipment that helps individuals develop motor skills and sensory processing.
Tailored Play Experiences: Each piece of equipment is carefully chosen to support specific developmental goals, allowing for improved balance, coordination, and spatial awareness for neurodivergent individuals and those with cognitive challenges.
Safe Exploration: These rooms are designed to encourage active play in a safe, supervised environment for all ages.
The Therapy Gym: Building Strength and Confidence
Our Therapy Gym is designed to help individuals, from children to seniors, build strength, coordination, and physical confidence. This space includes a range of specialized equipment that supports physical development and helps individuals of all abilities overcome challenges related to motor skills, whether they were born with a neurodivergent condition or have acquired physical or cognitive challenges over time.
Key Features of the Therapy Gym:
Therapy Mats and Balance Tools: These tools help improve balance, coordination, and core strength in a safe and supportive environment.
Swings and Climbing Structures: Essential for developing motor skills and providing proprioceptive input that many neurodivergent individuals need.
Safe, Adaptive Equipment: Every piece of equipment is chosen with safety in mind, ensuring that all can engage in physical activity in a way that meets their unique needs, including those with cognitive challenges like dementia or TBI.
The Importance of Play
Play is crucial for development at every stage of life. It helps individuals develop critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and cooperation. For neurodivergent children and seniors, play can also provide therapeutic benefits, helping them process sensory information, regulate emotions, and build social connections.
Play Matters:
Cognitive Development: Play encourages creativity and critical thinking, helping individuals explore new ideas and concepts at every age.
Emotional Regulation: Through play, individuals learn how to manage emotions, navigate social situations, and build resilience, whether they are children or adults dealing with neurodivergence.
Physical Growth: Active play supports physical development, improving coordination, strength, and motor skills across the lifespan, from childhood through later life stages.
At Valley Inclusive PlaySpace, we aim to provide the tools and environments needed to ensure that everyone can experience the benefits of play in a way that’s tailored to their individual needs.
Supporting Families: The Professionals Behind VIPS
Creating an inclusive play space isn’t just about the physical environment—it’s about the people who support the individuals and families who use it. vips, founded by Pam Henderson, a neurodivergent mother of an autistic son, takes a “for us, by us” approach.
We’re building a team of professionals specializing in neurodiversity, child development, family support, and senior care, while also providing meaningful job opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Our team includes:
Occupational Therapists: Experts in developing fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing.
Child Development Specialists: Professionals who create tailored play experiences for neurodivergent children.
Family Support Workers: Specialists who guide families in supporting both neurodivergent children and seniors.
Geriatric Care Experts: Specialists who ensure our spaces are therapeutic for seniors with dementia or cognitive decline.
We are always on the lookout for qualified volunteers and are continuously looking for more help. If you’re interested in future career opportunities or volunteering with us now, please get in touch!
At vips, we are more than just a play space—we’re a community resource providing real support for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Inclusivity: More than a Buzz Word
At Valley Inclusive PlaySpace, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every individual, regardless of ability or age, should have access to spaces that foster growth, joy, and connection.
Why Inclusivity Matters:
Equal Access: All individuals, no matter their abilities or age, deserve access to spaces that support their development and well-being.
Building Community: By creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, we help build a stronger, more connected community across generations.
Empowering Families: Our play space isn’t just for individuals—it’s a resource for families, providing them with the support they need to help their loved ones thrive, from childhood through senior years.