Leading National Behavioral Healthcare Provider

Call 1-800-345-1292

  • ASCEND Program
  • April awareness
  • Devereux News
  • Who we help
  • Careers at Devereux
  • Inspirational messages of Hope banner

Tweet Share on LinkedIn Send email Print

Devereux awarded $4,000 grant to create sensory room for youth with disabilities

 

Devereux was awarded a $4,000 grant from Macy’s, Inc. to create a sensory room for youth at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center.

The grant was used to purchase items including a bean bag sofa and chairs, yoga mats, massagers, music, fiber optic lights and activity books for adolescent boys enrolled in a residential treatment program.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health was recently awarded a $4,000 grant to create a sensory room for youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (CIDDS) center.  

The grant, from Macy’s, Inc., was used to purchase items including a bean bag sofa and chairs, yoga mats, massagers, music, fiber optic lights, and activity books for adolescent boys enrolled in a residential treatment program at Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS. 

Sensory rooms are designed to either calm or stimulate the senses of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other special needs through the use of special lighting, music and objects.  

“Our youth absolutely love their new sensory room and we are grateful to Macy’s for helping to make this dream a reality,” said Devereux Pennsylvania CIDDS Executive Director Carol Anne McNellis, Psy.D. BCBA. “The room has opened up a new world for the individuals we serve, providing a safe and calming space for them to go when they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.”  

Benefits of utilizing a sensory room

Sensory rooms provide a supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can self-soothe and regulate their behaviors and emotions. McNellis said additional benefits for the individuals we serve include: 

  • Heightened awareness and alertness
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Increased cognitive development
  • Improved coordination and motor development
  • Mental and physical relaxation
  • Improved communication and social interaction 

“The sensory room has something for everyone,” McNellis explained. “Some of our youth will sit in a bean bag chair and listen to a sound machine or soothing music to relax, while others will engage in more interactive activities, such as drawing, coloring or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. The benefits are endless.” 

 

Latest News

woman holding bag of vegetables   Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month: Celebrating differences, promoting inclusion

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, Devereux is celebrating the differences of children, adolescents and adults with autism, and promoting inclusion for these individuals in all aspects of community life.

Yolanda Graham   Dr. Yolanda Graham discusses sex trafficking on Cobb Collaborative’s Mind Your Mind Speaks podcast

Listen as Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer Yolanda Graham, M.D., FAPA, DFAACAP, discusses Devereux’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program, as well as risk factors and warning signs of sex trafficking, on Cobb Collaborative’s Mind Your Mind Speaks podcast. Dr. Graham shares how Devereux’s CSEC services are designed to help youth live healthy, happy lives free from exploitation.

teacher in front of class of students   Devereux awarded RFP to provide education consulting services in Delaware

Devereux announced it has been awarded a Request for Proposal (RFP) by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) to provide education consulting services in the state. The multi-vendor award establishes a pool of vendors the DDOE can utilize for education consulting services for its 19 school districts, 23 charter schools and early childhood/adult education programs, as the need arises.

Connecticut Marketing Video   Video: Welcome to Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School

Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School is a specialized, independent and co-educational boarding/day school for students, grades 5-12, with social, emotional and/or academic differences. Learn how we are meeting the unique needs of each student.


More Stories