• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Devereux California awarded $6,000 grant for multi-sensory equipment for adults with autism

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California was recently awarded a $6,000 grant to purchase multi-sensory equipment for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

The grant, from the June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust, a private foundation that supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, Calif., will be used to purchase multi-sensory equipment for residents of the Somerset House, a small group home in Goleta.

Multi-sensory equipment is designed to promote feelings of well-being, and can either calm or stimulate the senses of individuals with autism or special needs through the use of special lighting, music/sound machines, textures and aromas.

“We are extremely grateful to the Outhwaite Foundation for presenting our organization with this generous grant,” said Devereux California Executive Director Amy Evans. “The adults we serve at the Somerset House – many of whom face social interaction, communication and/or sensory processing challenges – will benefit greatly from this type of equipment. The funds will enable us to create a therapeutic environment where our individuals can safely explore and control the stimulation around them, which will help them relax when they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.”

Benefits of utilizing multi-sensory equipment

Evans said the benefits of providing a stimulating environment for individuals with autism or special needs include:

• Heightened awareness
• Increased concentration and cognitive functioning
• Improved coordination and motor skills
• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Increased vocalization and language development
• Improved communication and social interaction skills
• Increased independence

“Multi-sensory equipment can open up a new world for our adults,” Evans explained. “The benefits are endless! The combination of sights, sounds and scents can help soothe and calm those in our care, while keeping their minds active.”

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Celebrating Devereux's Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on PA CARES Clinical Coordinator Lucas Cepeda At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Pennsylvania CARES Clinical Coordinator Lucas Cepeda is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux PLEA's Gretchen Kelly elected president of CAP Executive Committee Congratulations to Devereux PLEA Executive Director Gretchen Kelly, who was recently elected president of the Conference of Allegheny Providers (CAP) Executive Committee. CAP is an affiliate member of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA).
		Servant Leadership Snapshot: Devereux PA Adult Services Program Coordinator Jewel Lerums Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services Program Coordinator Jewel Lerums empowers her staff to take ownership of their roles by emphasizing the value of their contributions and creating an environment where everyone feels their work is appreciated. Learn how she serves others through her actions and decisions.
		Conference empowers Devereux's Champions to cultivate an inclusive work environment Devereux recently hosted its annual Servant Leadership and Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEIB) Champions Conference where more than 50 emerging leaders from across the organization – selected as Servant Leadership and DEIB Champions – had the opportunity to connect, collaborate and cultivate new ideas on how to ensure their colleagues, and the individuals and families they serve, feel welcomed, included and supported.

More Stories