We recognize that it may be difficult for parents of special needs children or adults to plan for a big conference. That’s why we’re partnering with a non-profit group here in Orlando called Chance2Dance.  Together, we will provide a sensory friendly environment for those with special sensitivities.  The Chance2Dance Lounge will be a place for them to relax and hang out while parents and caregivers engage in their own conference programming with some peace of mind.  And we’re providing this lounge 100% free of cost for during the conference.

We are prepared to care for children or adults with all levels of autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, as well as persons who are deaf, blind, non-verbal, or mute, and those in wheelchairs and walkers. 

Please use this form to sign up: https://www.chance2dancefl.org/wds 

We’ll leave it up to you to decide if younger children would prefer to participate in the Kid Zone (free but must be supervised by a parent or guardian) or the Giant Cow Ministries program (registration thegiantcow.com), or whether older children or adults with special needs will be better suited with the mainstream conference programming.  Whatever you decide, the Chance2Dance Lounge will be made available to you, provided you register ahead of time.  

The goal is to build (4) unique zones where volunteers and trained care-givers will supervise each participant.  If you would like to DONATE to help build and supply these zones, we’re setting up an AMAZON Wish List site, or you can simply offer an online donation and monies will be used to build the Chance2Dance lounge, and after the conference these supplies will be kept and/or donated to Chance2Dance and other schools and studios in Orlando that service persons with special needs.  

Please also click here to Donate: https://www.chance2dancefl.org/wds 

Quiet Zone

A wonderful, calming environment, filled with sights, sounds, textures, and aromas and used to stimulate, calm, relax, or energize. The blend of sights, sounds, textures, aromas, and motion provide stimulation of the primary sensory systems. This controlled environment will be designed to maintain promote appropriate behavior, it allows for a ‘safe space’ escape from the new environments and overstimulation, is intended to provide a multi-sensory exposure or single-sensory focus by simple adaptation to one stimulus.

The Quiet Zone will be separated from the rest of the Summit Sensory Room.  It will be a safe outlet for when the individuals feel overwhelmed. This room will be separated by dividers/ dark-light out curtains. It will have multiple textured seating options, sensory- stimuli shag carpets, weighted blankets, headphones, aroma therapy, soothing sounds, and multi colored light fixtures.

Proprioceptive Zone

The proprioceptive system is located in our muscles and joints. It provides us with a sense of body awareness and detects/controls force and pressure. The proprioceptive system also has an important regulatory role in sensory processing as proprioceptive input can assist in controlling responses to sensory stimuli. Proprioceptive input can be very calming for those who are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimulation. Proprioceptive input can be alerting for those who need increased sensory stimulation to facilitate attention and learning. Many students with autism seek proprioceptive input in order to regulate their emotional and behavioral responses to sensory stimulation.

The Proprioceptive Zone is a space that allows participants to explore at their own ‘speed’. This area focuses on vestibular activities and creative expression, including all physically interactive elements: tumbling mats, crash mats, trampolines, ball pits, and physical manipulatives to enhance movement and participation and appropriate behavioral responses.

Interactive Zone

Assistive technology makes things possible. We all benefit from technology, but some people with disabilities require technology to participate, show what they know, or be more independent. Many of those with Autism are visual, literal thinkers. They retain more information when they are presented with graphic images and words. Computer graphics can be used to teach children with Autism visually as well as an outlet to engage in purposeful and meaningful activities that doesn’t include active physical participation.

The Interactive Zone offers plenty of room for creative activities with iPads and appropriate Apps, switch activated and lifesize toys, as well as a TV for movies. 

Sensory Zone/ Tactile Table

Sensory toys provide the particular sensory input that many children with Varying Needs crave.  Sensory toys can also improve concentration and focus in children with ADHD and others who need to keep their hands busy to listen and attend.  Sensory play can help kids with Autism calm down, stimulate their senses and develop important coping skills.  Sensory play is any activity that engages your child’s senses:  touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing.

Using fidget toys or other toys that provide tactile stimulation helps a child who is seeking things to touch and feel.  These toys provide the “just right” amount of sensory input to calm their nervous system.  Whether the toy is visual or tactile, these toys have the power to capture the attention of participants with multiple needs.

The Sensory Zone will provide a large variety of sensory friendly toys that will help with stress relief, enhance focus and creativity, and provide a calming, soothing and relaxing place for participants with disabilities.  This area can provide relief from the child being overwhelmed or experiencing sensory overload.  Playing with the specially-designed toys will help relieve anxiety and promote clarity.