YORKTON – SaskAbilities recognized the International Day of People with Disabilities with the launch of their ExplorAbilities Room Dec. 3.
"The ExplorAbilities room is a room that is put together to help individuals regulate and have a positive experience using all of their senses. There's a multitude of different activities that will encapture all of our senses," told Sheila Reynolds, Day Program Senior Supervisor at SaskAbilities and lead on the project, in an interview with SaskToday.ca
Previously known as the Relaxation Room, the space featured a bubble tube and a couch for relaxation. Now, it boasts a variety of sensory activities.
"We wanted to gear a room towards the needs of the diversity of the people that we support at SaskAbilities," said Reynolds, adding "we looked at the needs of the individuals we support and we found the items that would suit them and give us the opportunity to make those items versatile."
Reynolds emphasized the room's benefits.
"I think everybody could benefit from a relaxation room. Whether you are experiencing disability or not — the room itself just gives that peaceful calming feeling. It just helps people to get on with their day in a more positive manner," said Reynolds.
Reynolds said the project required significant effort and collaboration.
"There has been a lot of hours spent — a lot of brain work in the background — a lot of collaborating among our team," said Reynolds, "seeing the smile on the faces of the people we're supporting — that's the reason we do it," said Reynolds.
The creation of the ExplorAbilities Room was made possible by a $10,000 donation from Yorkton Toyota, part of Toyota’s Community Initiative.
"As part of Toyota's community initiative we donated $10,000 to SaskAbilities which they've used for the purpose of redesigning their sensory room," said Rob Black, General Manager of Yorkton Toyota.
"It turned out really well — all of the equipment they got — it's a really neat place," added Black.
Jolene Kotzer-Mitschke, Director of Shared Services for Key Auto Group, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership with SaskAbilities.
"The Toyota Community Initiative will be re-launched in 2025 ... we've decided to allocate our allotment to continuing on the great work at SaskAbilities," said Kotzer-Mitschke, adding, "you watch the folks at SaskAbilities and it truly is a labour of love."
