Reducing Effects of Sensory Disorders With Innovative Technologies
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Date
2021-05-28
Authors
Cabanas, Fabiola Cristina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East Carolina University
Abstract
Sensory Processing Disorders affect 5-16% of school aged children. In addition, 40% of
children with ADHD also share the Sensory Processing Disorder. Furthermore, sensory deficits
are prominent in the learning environment and hinders many students from reaching their full
potential.
SENSE-ational began as an Honors 2000 team at East Carolina University with the goal
of helping reduce distractions in the classroom for students with sensory processing issues. Our
original idea was to design, create, and manufacture kits that were to be distributed into those
very classrooms. Due to COVID-19, and the lack of children in the classroom, we were unable to
implement these kits. We needed to pivot in our attempt to help children who were struggling
with online learning. We produced “DIY” YouTube videos of how to make sensory items. We
now have a handful of quality, engaging, and useful videos on our YouTube channel, as well as
our very own logo and a plan to move forward with our brand. We are utilizing the 3D printers in
the Innovation and Design Lab at ECU to create and test our prototypes. In the future, we plan to
donate all of our new designs to community schools here in Pitt County, so that our work
throughout this project can have an impact on the children of Greenville, North Carolina. This
will hopefully improve access to sensory items, and increase focus and learning for the kids of
this community. In addition, we hope it will serve as a way for teachers and parents to view the
benefits of sensory items in everyday school environments.