Almaguin welcomes newest addition

Story by Almaguin School Reporter Maddi Wiggins/Special to BayToday.ca.

With hard work and dedication comes greatness, and such was proven April 26, 2012, when the community, staff and students of Almaguin gathered together for the grand opening of the Snoezelen room.

The Snoezlen room, Dutch for to doze and explore, is a multi-sensory room. This room will be used to provide therapy for children with developmental disorders, autism, severe anger management and other special needs.

This wonderful idea was born nine years ago when a group of EA’s took an upgrading course at Georgian college. They made a proposal to the board, but at that time there was not enough room. Fortunately, Jackie Bowie and Sheila Bottomley did not let this obstacle get in their way. They held on to the dream and were committed to making it a reality.

The building of the new high school was the perfect opportunity for Bowie and Bottomley to once again propose the Snoezelen room to the board. This time, the board said yes! They were given the room, and electricity needed; furnishing however, was up to them.

The staff, students and community all joined together to help fundraise to provide equipment for the room. After numerous summer barbeques, a penny drive and a dance, the goal was finally reached, and the money definitely went to good use. The room is now furnished with brand new equipment such as a ball pool, acrylic wall mirrors, fiber optic lights, a beanbag chair and more!

This addition to Almaguin is incredible, as there are approximately forty-three students that require this type of therapy within AHSS as well as its feeder schools. Not only that, but the Snoezelen room is also available for anyone in the community, by appointment. Thank you to all those involved in providing our community with this fantastic new room!