HUMBOLDT — Two anonymous donations to Futuristic Industries totalling $30,000 has greatly moved forward the timeline to build a multisensory environment that helps reduce anxiety and engages the senses.
The environment, called a Snoezelen room, aims to provide a relaxing environment by simulating the senses using items like lighting effects, color, sounds, music, scents and tactile surfaces that encourage touch.
“When I first arrived at Futuristic in 2018, one of the plans that I had was, in time, to develop and build a Snoezelen room for the folks at the agency,” said Ray Whitton, Futuristic’s executive director.
The room benefits those with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as brain damage. It is controlled by the user, who can change items in the room to their pleasure, which in turn allows the user to redirect feelings of stress and anger.
Whitton said that some with developmental disabilities may not have the necessary tools to help to deal with strong emotions like stress and anxiety. For instance, a person with autism who is non-verbal may not be able to express what they are feeling. The Snoezelen room provides the tools that provide the opportunity to stimulate their senses and redirect those emotions.
“In a case like this, it gives a safe place for someone like that to be able to express themselves, to be able to soothe themselves.”
Whitton said that fundraising efforts for the room had not yet begun and put on the backburner due to the pandemic. He thought it would be a three to five-year project for the agency.
The anonymous donor had first given a $15,000 donation in December. When the donor was there, they heard about the benefits of a Snoezelen room and how it would help Futuristic. The donor then returned in the beginning of January and gave another $15,000.
Whitton said those donations should make the Snoezelen room a one to two-year project for the agency. He is now working on planning and obtaining permits.
“Obviously, we are just over the moon, thrilled and grateful for the continued support from within the community.”
The executive director said the donation should pay for the bulk of the construction, but more fundraising will have to be done to complete the room.
