The SMART Centre and Garden Room have been specifically designed to meet the needs of people with sensory impairments some of whom may have additional disabilities. They offer a range of services and activities which aim to respond to each individual’s sensory, communication, mobility and information needs. They are designed to enable people to develop their skills in various areas from art to ICT and to gain new experiences. Some of the activities offered take place within the centre itself whilst others take place in the wider community.
The services on offer at the SMART Centre and Garden Room are for those living in Sense’s residential services, those who receive other Sense support (for example a Day Service) and also people from the wider community or other organisations.
Staffing is provided to meet the needs of each individual whether that be on a one to one basis or within a group. All staff have completed specialist training which includes the use of different means of communication including deafblind manual, BSL, or the use of objects of reference.
The SMART Centre provides a welcoming, stimulating and structured environment where each individual can receive the support they require to follow their interests and develop their skills. Activities offered by our instructors include centre based activities, for example massage and ICT, as well as outward bound activities including rock climbing and ice skating.
- Supported ICT sessions for deafblind people
ICT sessions are available for deafblind people throughout the week and are delivered by a specialist ICT Officer from an accessible training Suite at the SMART Centre. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of individuals and can be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in small groups. Through the use of specialist software packages and adaptive technologies, deafblind people can access increased opportunities for communication, choice making, learning and development, access to information and, of course, fun!
- Specialist ICT Assessments
Our experienced ICT officer is available to conduct in-depth assessments of deafblind people’s ICT and equipment needs, advising on suitable technologies and software packages available and recommending tailored programmes of support to meet assessed needs. *Please note this service is chargeable.
- Massage Therapy
Our specially designed Therapy Room provides a relaxing atmosphere in which people can unwind and experience the benefits of massage therapy from our experienced masseur. Many people who have multiple disabilities show a marked aversion to or in some cases rejection of touch. This is known as tactile selectiveness and may be reduced with careful use of tactile stimulation through massage which can teach the person that touch can be a pleasant experience. Massage therapy sessions are run on a one to one or group basis depending on the individuals’ preferences.
- Sensory Room
The dark room is fully equipped with sensory equipment which enable both individuals and small groups to benefit from use of the cause and effect equipment. Equipment on offer includes an interactive bubble tube, a water bed, small sensory toys and various types of interactive lighting.
- Multimedia Room
The Multimedia Room provides a range of interactive technologies for people to use for both fun and learning. A fully interactive plasma screen enables people of all abilities to utilise various functions such computer programmes or watching DVDs. An Optimusic system is also on offer. This supports people with a variety if interests and abilities to create and interact with a range of media including music, pictures and DVDs. The Optimusic system operates using a series of light beams which are activated by an individual in a variety of ways. By breaking the light beams people are able to make pictures, music or the computer programme stop, start, speed up, slow down or change thus enabling an individual to control the activity themselves. The Multimedia Room is also large enough to offer sessions such as keep fit or music activities.
- Outward Bound Activities
In addition to the centre based services on offer we also run outward bound activities with our specialist instructor. These activities are a great way for people to keep fit and also offer an individual the chance to experience different activities. As with any activity the outward bound activities provide the opportunity for people to learn a new skill and experience the sense of achievement that comes with any accomplishment.
Rock Climbing and Ice Skating are on offer throughout the year. One to one support is provided to enable people to scale an indoor rock face or try their hand at Ice Skating. Whilst offering a unique sensory experience these activities also enable people to improve their mobility and physical fitness.
In addition to Rock Climbing and Ice Skating, Sailing is also on offer. This runs both as a taster session giving people a chance to get the feel for the activity or just enjoy the experience. It is also available as a set course during which people can learn how to sail a boat unaided and look after the equipment.
Throughout the year additional activities are arranged by the Outward Bound Instructor to offer people a chance to explore new environments and gain new experiences. Activities in the past have included fruit picking, rambles, barefoot walking, canal boating and cycling.
The Garden Room is situated a short distance from the SMART Centre and offers two fully accessible and adapted workshops. Here individuals can experience a range of arts, crafts and woodwork activities within a safe and supportive environment.
- Woodwork
All of the tools and equipment have been designed and adapted to ensure they are safe to use at all times. The specialist trained instructors offer training and support to people to enable them to use the equipment. This gives individuals the chance to develop skills in design, construction and tool operations which promotes independence and a sense of the working environment whilst offering a stimulating and rewarding experience. The activities undertaken and products made are person centred and each individual can choose what they would like to make. Some examples of products made at the Garden Room include bird tables or boxes, planters, fencing or garden and home furniture.
- Pottery
In the art workshop individuals have the opportunity for self expression and exploration in a creative and adapted environment. Slip moulding, stone work and use of the potter’s wheel are just some of the pottery activities offered within the art workshop. Various products are made at the art workshop including plant pots, coasters and jewellery.
Activities are based on the individual’s preferences and abilities giving them an opportunity to develop their skills and explore the world of pottery and the wide range of tasks involved. Pottery can offer a stimulating and creative activity for people as well as enabling people to feel a sense of achievement when a piece of work is completed.
- Arts and crafts
The art workshop also offers a wide range of tabletop activities including sewing, painting and card making. Activities run on either a one to one basis or within a group depending on the individual’s need. People are able to explore the range of different materials used within the art room and try out the different activities or they can focus on their particular area of interest.
The arts and crafts activities offer people a safe and supportive environment in which to develop their knowledge and experience of art activities. They also offer people a chance to express themselves through their art.
For further information please contact
Krystyna Cieslik Assessment and Advice Officer,
Sense. Summit Point Building, Summit Crescent Industrial Estate, Roebuck Lane, Smethwick B66 1BT
Fax: 0121 525 6750
Tel: 0121 525 9137
