A sensory room is described as a calming, hands-on space designed around sensory regulation. The Worcester Police Department says it is committed to making a positive difference for individuals with autism.
According to a Worcester Police Department (Official) Facebook post, a sensory room is intended to be a welcoming, inclusive space where people can explore their interests, make art, and engage in activities while working on sensory regulation. The announcement says the room serves the Central Massachusetts community at large, not just families already connected to the center.
A Longtime Resource Gets a New Addition
The Autism Resource Center has been a fixture in Central Massachusetts since 1996, when it was conceived by a group of parents to serve as an information and referral service for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders, according to disabilityinfo.org. Today the center provides education, family activities, referrals, and support, according to advocates.org, and it serves the eastern portion of the Department of Developmental Services' Central-West Region, covering Worcester and its surrounding communities. Per disabilityinfo.org, that reach extends to families in 64 towns across the North Central, Worcester, and South Valley areas of that DDS region.
The center's three-decade history reflects its longstanding role serving local families.
How Other Police Departments Have Tried Similar Rooms
Worcester is not the first police department to invest in a sensory space. In Grafton, Wisconsin, local police opened a sensory room providing anyone with a developmental disability a safe space to deal with distress, as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee. That room, filled with lights, sounds, and other accessories supplied by the Cedarburg nonprofit All My Friends, cost $8,500 and was funded entirely through a grant from the nonprofit along with other donors. Grafton Police Chief Jeff Caponera told the outlet the room is also open to his own officers when they need to decompress.
A Different Model in New York City Schools
New York City has pursued sensory support through its school-based SEED program. The program includes climbing equipment and swings to support self-regulation among students with sensory needs.
These examples show differing approaches to sensory support, from fixed rooms to school-based programs.
