'Calming and inclusive environment' -New county Longford sensory shed opens

Lough Ree Access for All in Lanesboro and Ballyleague officially opened its new sensory shed on Friday, September 26, a dedicated space designed to provide a calming and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory needs.

The event compromised of showcasing the new space which will increase a better experience and place of calm to those who come to visit.

Liam Grimes, who is the manager of Access for All, said the  opening marked an incredibly proud day for everyone involved. 

“It is part of something that we can contribute to the community. It’s an add-on to services that we’re already providing by our accessibility trips serving all counties with our customers. 

It was a demand that we did see the need for it. Certainly, groups coming long distances. By the time they came here before the boat trips, there was a need to go to a calm area to decompress with the autistic needs,” he explained. 

He followed on to say that they expect to expand the current facilities already supplied in the shed. Signs of success from the shed have been showing, with an increase of demand. 

“They did a pleasant 90-minute boat trip, which is educational. We discussed the history, wildlife biodiversity, culture of people and how they lived in the 50s and 60s.”

Regarding any future plans, Liam revealed that, in partnership with Imagine, there are plans to bring a virtual reality project. The project also involves Roscommon County Council. It is said to happen in approximately four weeks. 

Liam called this an exciting development to the services provided. Imagine also helped with Belfast's Titanic. 

“It’s taken off really well. It will be accessible online, so people can book it,”he reiterated in relation to the sensory shed."

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