We’ve talked before about the benefits that fibre optic lights can have on your sensory room, (you can read the article here) from cutomer and client feedback we have decided to improve on our current range of fibre optic lights and offer more choice for you when kitting out your sensory room.
Introducing, these colourful Rainbow Fibre Optic Lights:
These fibre optic lights use various colours inspired by rainbows to add extra colour to enhance any sensory room. Using the lights to promote colours whilst stimulating the senses is key factor in the developing process of children in particular those with special needs.
If you are looking for something more robust and easy to hold for stronger hands then the jumbo version of these fibre optics is ideal for users who find tactile engagement stimulating. These strong and robust strands are 8mm thick, (just slightly thicker than an average pencil) are flexible and cool to the touch. Using these strands is perfect for tactile play in a sensory room. We’ve also added these thick strands to our popular range of passive fibre optics as well.
An example of a single colour fibre optic lightsource
Techniques to use fibre optic lights in a sensory room environment
When using fibre optic lights in a sensory room it is important to use them correctly and in a safe manner. People using the fibre optics may not necessarily respond positively and that is why we always recommend introducing them slowly if you know that the user is prone to triggers or does not cope well with new sensory equipment.
Colour therapy and learning
Colour therapy is a holistic therapy technique that can be applied when using the rainbow fibre optic lights. Introducing the colours to users will stimulate the senses and engage them in activities. The different colours from the rainbow effect can produce holistic benefits that relax and unwind the body.
Learning techniques through colour can also be applied when using the fibre optic lights, the rainbow strands can be used to promote cause and effect for example;
- Teaching the user that blue is a calming and relaxing colour.
- Showing that the yellow strand is associated with happiness and positivity.
- You can also help improve speech and confidence by recognising the different colours and getting the user to say what they see.
These colour learning techniques can then be used in the real world for the user to become comfortable with their own sensory experience throughout day to day life.
Brushing technique
A relaxing and calming technique to use in a sensory environment is to use the fibre optic lights like a weighted brush (the jumbo strands give off a heavier, more weighted feel). The weighted brushing gently calms the person down and because the fibre optics are cool to the touch they can be brushed anywhere including the face. The colours will also act as a calming sensory experience as they can feel protected when covered in fibre optics.
Hopefully you will find these techniques useful and if you use any specific techniques that work for your own sensory classes then please do let us know on social media:
