Variety believes that children need focused education and rewarding experiences as a means of encouraging development and fostering talent. Supporting children who have special needs at a young age increases their potential, creating a better and a brighter future.
Schools and child development centres benefit from Variety grants for construction, renovation and development and are provided the financial support to purchase computers, audio and visual equipment and other communication devices. Individual children are also the recipients of grants for equipment that assist them now while preparing them for the future. The life of a child who has cerebral palsy or autism can be transformed when they are equipped with the specialized tools that will allow them to succeed. Variety also aims to enhance lives through day camps and other recreational and social activities.
Numerous organizations around the province have received grants under Variety Future including, SOS Children’s Society which provides children life skills tutoring, FOCUS Foundation to fund special education bursaries for teens and the Salvation Army to build a play area for children in who are living in a safe house due to domestic disturbance and abuse.
A story: Play Through Sensation
In 2007, a compassionate paediatric occupational therapist in Cranbrook, BC noted that children with various disabilities were very limited in meaningful, engaging play and learning activities. Her interest in the neuroscience of sensation led her to promote having a multi sensory leisure environment called Snoezelen for the community. Kim Hanson’s interest in allowing children with sensory processing difficulties to be comfortable and free to play was the impetus for the application for Snoezelen Room funding now in operation at Highlands Schools, Cranbrook. The ideas around the benefits of Snoezelen Rooms started in the 1970s in The Netherlands.
In the Snoezelen Room, many children and their education assistants report happy motivating play sessions that build stronger relationships and communication between the student and their staff. Also, assistants learn more about the child’s often hidden abilities that are displayed in Snoezelen which may later be called upon as they learn skills in the classroom. Children who typically cannot play together are able to share some activities within the special little world in the Snoezelen Room.
From a water column with bubbles that change colour to a gentle hammock swinging chair, bean bag furnishings and warm inspiring music with gentle, fresh aromas, this room is so different to regular surrounding that it invites play. For children with the most profound disabilities, Snoezelen is a place where their personalities and interests are revealed to us and we learn how to best help them direct play.
Thanks to Variety funding, our children with the highest needs now have a meaningful and motivating place to play. Variety, you are definitely making a daily difference in the lives of Snoezelen users in the East Kootenays. Thank you for such a wise investment in the lives of our young participants. For the nonverbal Snoezelen users who tell us with their smiles, I say to Variety “thank you” again.
Amy MacDonald is an Occupational Therapist in Cranbrook/Kimberley
