Imagine the combination of interactive light, sound and touch all controlled by, and tailored to every individual: The Sensory Room is fully equipped with many different ways to stimulate the senses.

Light: Multicoloured bubble tubes, fibre optic cascade, mirror ball, oil projector, shape projector, pin spot projector and a large-screen audiovisual projector all serve as visual stimuli operated by a selection of various switches. For example the joystick and cube pictured above can be used to influence the lighting. The joystick changes the direction and pattern of the light, whilst the cube determines the colour of the lighting depending upon which of its surfaces is facing upwards.

Sound: We have a full audio system which can play sounds from our CD library and linked microphones, but most importantly much of the equipment in the sensory room can be activated by sound alone and reacts to audible commands rather than just physical triggers. The equipment is so sensitive that it can be tuned to respond to the slightest of sounds: Even down to a single breath. This enables people with less physical ability to interact with their environment.

Touch: The audio system also reacts with a vibrating bed, effectively allowing sounds to be 'felt': The bed moves to the beat of the music. There is a wind generator that can be directed and controlled by the various triggers previously explained, and this can be varied in intensity depending on individual preference. The sensory room also has a waterbed with a thermostatic heat control that is very popular when the sensory room is being used as a relaxation environment.

While all the various items can be used independently, they are also linked to the main computer system, and so can be used in any combination. This variety means that the room can be used in many different ways. Some Next Steppers use it as a 'chill out' room, with quiet and soothing effects. Sometimes the large projection screen is used as a mini cinema. In this mode it can also be used interactively with computer games. At other times it is used to help the development of skills: For example the many interactive controllers can enable a Next Stepper to control their own environment - an essential skill in itself.