STAR Center in Jackson unveils new sensory rooms
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JACKSON, Tenn. — A new tool for people with special needs is now available in Jackson. The STAR Center said its two new sensory rooms will help both autistic children and adults. STAR Center President Dave Bratcher said the new technology helps prepare clients for therapy. “This is a way for them to be in control of their environment,” he said. The rooms include items such as a disco ball, fiber optics, a swing and even a ball pit. “It’s an environment to where we can pep them up or we can calm them down and get them ready for their sessions,” STAR Center Chairman of the Board John Allen said. The rooms serve different purposes, but therapists said they are both designed to reach people with special needs like autism. “We really kind of just sit back and watch them engage with things in the room and then they also in turn engage with us,” Chrissy Watson, a music therapist, said. Therapists said they started using the rooms about a month ago and already are seeing the benefits. Norma Smith said her son was nonverbal before coming to the STAR Center. She believes the rooms could help other families like hers. “He’s able to communicate,” Smith said. “It’s life changing.” The STAR Center said a donation and grant money helped pay for the project. Allen estimates the project cost between $40,000 and $50,000.
