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ECAPSS Newsletter

(Enhancing Communication And Participation Through Sensory Stimulation)

What is the ECAPSS Newsletter?

The ECAPSS Newsletter encourages subscribers to share information about services, products, equipment, training opportunities, references and activity ideas for people who enjoy a sensory-focused approach to everyday activities. The newsletter is published three times a financial year.

What is a sensory-focused approach?

We all have experiences that give us a sense of well being, for example, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the relaxation provided by soaking in a warm bubble bath and the sounds of our favourite music. We also use preferred sensory experiences to help us cope with the things we don’t like doing, for example, listening to our favourite music as we do the housework! We have sensory strengths and preferences, which we consciously and unconsciously manipulate to make us feel less stressed or anxious.

The senses provide us with information about ourselves (internal) and our interactions with our environment (external). They inform us about what we feel, our movements through space, what we smell and taste, hear and see. When our senses are performing well they help us to respond appropriately to everyday situations.

A sensory-focused approach utilises knowledge about a person’s sensory preferences and abilities. This information is incorporated into the person’s everyday activities to make them more interesting and meaningful to them. If used appropriately, there is more opportunity for the person to participate, share and enjoy experiences with others.

Who would benefit from Sensory-focused Activities?

Sensory- focused activities are ideal for people who have difficulty initiating or participating in everyday activities. They are also useful for people who are focused on what is happening “here and now” rather than what the outcome of the activity will be. Thus, each step of the activity becomes a focus as the activity outcomes may have little or no meaning or relevancy to the person.

For more details contact:
Mandy Williams
Communication Resource Centre
Ph: 61 3 9843 2005
Email: ecapss@scopevic.org.au