University of Galway’s new multisensory room officially opened this week, equipped with interactive and integrated lighting, visual, vibroacoustic and sound effects.
The room will have calming, stimulating, and integrated lighting, sound and vibroacoustic arrangements, for people to suit their sensory needs and unwind on comfortable furniture.
Soft furnishings and sensory stress-relieving items complete the experience, enabling students to feel regulated and supporting their engagement in college life.
Founder and chief executive of Ireland’s national autism charity AsIAm, Adam Harris, who officially opened the multisensory room on Tuesday, said that autistic people and other neurodivergent people face barriers to accessing education.
He said that these barriers are often invisible to others, but prevent the community from enjoying the same chance.
“Some 3.38% of children in school today now have an Autism diagnosis and there is also a significant increase in the number of adults accessing assessment,” said Mr Harris.
“It is so important that higher level education institutions are accessible for our community and that environmental barriers do not prevent students from thriving and contributing.
“AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, is delighted to be working with HEIs across the country as part of our Autism Friendly HEI Award and we warmly congratulate the University of Galway on the launch of their sensory space – this investment will no doubt support more students to access the University, enrich the experience of those already enrolled and also act as an educational tool for all on campus in terms of understanding and accepting difference.”
University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Helen Maher, said that inclusivity is a priority for the University to create equal opportunities and conditions for all, and we are focused on assisting those most in need.
“This space is part of University of Galway’s wider efforts to accommodate and make the campus more accessible for students with additional needs,” she said.
“We need to ensure that our students experience at University of Galway is an enjoyable and positive one, and accessibility and student involvement were key considerations throughout the design of this space.
“Universities can be a crowded and noisy environment which can impact learning and work, especially for neurodiverse students, so the aim of the new Multi-Sensory Room is to provide a safe space where users can relax and stimulate their senses in a controlled manner.”
