SHARON, Pa. — The Penn State Shenango occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program unveiled its newly refurbished sensory classroom space in the Chadderton Laboratory building during the campus’ 60th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
A sensory classroom is intentionally designed to integrate experiences such as touch, sound, movement and visual stimulation to help students regulate emotion, attention and energy levels. According to Tammy Divens, teaching professor and program coordinator of Penn State Shenango’s OTA program, the sensory classroom serves as both a learning lab with tools for occupational therapy intervention, as well as a therapeutic environment for students.
“The inspiration for the sensory classroom came from observing a noticeable increase in students experiencing anxiety and challenges with focus and peer interaction. These difficulties were not only affecting their academic performance but also their overall sense of connection and well-being,” Divens said. “I wanted to create a space that could support students' mental and emotional regulation while also enhancing their learning experience.”
The classroom includes a variety of sensory-based furniture and equipment, such as weighted lap pads, texture sensory panels, sound machines, bubble tubes, fidget tools, standing desks, fluorescent light covers, testing headphones, alternative seating options, and other therapeutic activities like coloring and puzzles. Students get to experience the sensory intervention tools for themselves during classroom lectures or study sessions, while also practicing techniques to use the same tools with future clients.
The sensory classroom was made possible by combining funds from the Penn State Opportunity Grant Professional Development Program, which awards funding to Penn State teaching and non-tenure-line faculty, and Penn State Shenango’s William P. McDowell Memorial Grant, which provides support to various student-focused initiatives at the Shenango campus.
“This classroom models how environments can be a therapeutic tool and can inspire others to advocate for sensory-friendly spaces in classrooms, clinics, and other community settings,” said Divens. “The goal is for Shenango OTA students to leave the program with a deep, applied understanding of sensory processing and the confidence to design and implement sensory-based interventions in real-world settings.”