The sensory room at the State Educational Institution "Center for Correctional and Developmental Education and Rehabilitation of Lepel" is equipped with modern special equipment.

The UN Women's Guild allocated 4.5 thousand Swiss francs for this noble cause. The centre's project "Our Health is in Your Hands" was recognised as the best and received a grant.

The UN Women's Guild allocated 4.5 thousand Swiss francs for this noble cause. The centre's project "Our Health is in Your Hands" was recognised as the best and received a grant.

Modern Equipment

– The significance of the sensory room for children with disabilities is immense. For example, the fine motor skills trainer helps a child learn to distinguish sensations from their fingertips, developing the ability to perform small and precise movements with their wrists and fingers. Another device is also interesting – a bundle of fibres on a control panel. The fibres can be intertwined, braided into long plaits, and used to create intricate figures. The colour and light effect changing function allows for the creation of a special storyline for activities, while simultaneously relieving stress. A sensory drawing table, a tactile path, a panel with musical instruments, a transparent easel, and other equipment will make the process of children's education and upbringing more diverse and successful, as well as improve their health, – noted Tatyana Vaitekhovich, Deputy Director for Core Activities of the Special Education Institution.

— And what is the centre's pupils' favourite subject?

— Probably "adaptive physical education". The word "adaptive" speaks for itself. A child needs strength to adapt to environmental conditions. A special sports complex helps to acquire this strength and improve health.

Our pupils greatly enjoy spending time outdoors. Street exercise equipment is needed for children's development, especially for wheelchair users. Now, such equipment is available at our centre.

(і)The sensory room will aid in the psychological relief of children, stress reduction, strengthening the nervous system, and restoring emotional balance…

Tatyana Vladimirovna spoke with particular warmth about the inclined verticaliser, which was also very necessary for the centre. This is a special device that allows a child with musculoskeletal disorders to assume a standing position.

The use of verticalisers is mandatory if a child is unable to stand independently and spends all their time sitting or lying down. The absence of this device in the rehabilitation process significantly increases the risk of development

kidney and lung failure, and can also lead to other serious health problems.

The staff of the special education institution are not going to stop there; they will continue to participate in other international humanitarian and charitable projects.

Having familiarised ourselves with the equipment, we can confidently say that it is necessary for children with disabilities and will be used regularly.

Atmosphere in the centre

I always enter the centre with great pleasure, where a family and friendly atmosphere is felt from the doorstep. The staff have managed to create it for their pupils through joint efforts.

Everything here is somehow special: light wallpaper, bright toys, a cosy environment. And everything is thought out to the smallest detail so that the children who attend the institution can be distracted from their difficulties and receive education in accordance with their cognitive abilities and health status. The centre has many corners that the teachers have furnished with their own hands. Perhaps that is why they seem even cosier.

Currently, 19 children are being raised and educated at the centre – six preschoolers and 13 students. Two of the 13 are being educated at home. The schoolchildren are currently on holiday, while the preschoolers attend the special education institution during the summer as well.

In June, a health camp operated on the basis of the centre, which the pupils attend with great enthusiasm.

Natalia KHRAPOVITSKAYA.