Sensory Toolkits for Self-Regulation in an Inclusive Summer Camp

Authors

Ashley A. Edwards, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Files

Description

This capstone project focused on increasing sensory regulation support for participants at Camp Hooray hosted at Extra Special People (ESP), a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities of all ages. To address sensory processing challenges in an inclusive summer camp setting, I developed and distributed portable sensory toolkits and provided staff education on their use. Each toolkit was a drawstring bag containing noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, visual prompts for deep breathing, and other items designed to offer calming or alerting input in moments of dysregulation. I collaborated with staff to identify needs, secured donations, sourced materials, and created an educational handout detailing when and how to use each tool effectively. The handout was presented in an in-service training alongside the completed toolkits. This project reinforced the value of occupational therapy in community-based settings by emphasizing proactive sensory regulation, increasing participation, and providing caregiver education. It also highlighted how accessible, low-cost strategies can meaningfully impact inclusion and quality of life for neurodivergent individuals in community environments.

Graduation Date

2025

Keywords

sensory integration, sensory toolkits, community-based, summer camp

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

https://youtu.be/F2iklgLnK94?si=AIea9La2HLcpIbK1

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Site Mentor

Jake Brown