Image: Child in pool Image: Daughter and mother looking at each other

Programs & Services

Participation & Inclusion: Snoezelen

Snoezelen at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Canada’s first Snoezelen room opened in 1992 at one of Holland Bloorview’s legacy organizations – the Bloorview Children’s Hospital. Recognizing the benefits that Snoezelen could have for many people, a community–based Snoezelen room was established in 1995. Holland Bloorview also has an inpatient Snoezelen room as well as a portable Snoezelen cart for Complex Continuing Care inpatients.

North America’s first Snoezelen pool opened in October 2002 at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. A Snoezelen pool creates a gently stimulating environment by combining lights, sounds and textures with the medicinal effects of a warm therapy pool.

Holland Bloorview’s community Snoezelen room and pool is open to Holland Bloorview clients, community agencies, schools and support organizations for children and adults with disabilities.

Holland Bloorview also supports Snoezelen education and outreach locally and beyond - such as at the ISNA - Symposium.

What is Snoezelen?

The word Snoezelen is taken from two Dutch words: snufflen meaning to seek out or to explore, and doezelen meaning to relax or to be in a wonderful place.

Snoezelen rooms are artificially engineered spaces that use music, lighting effects, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations and aromatherapy.

Designed to encourage relaxation, social skills and heighten sensory awareness, the room and pool provide a tranquil environment where users can relax and choose activities at their own pace.

Snoezelen originated in the Netherlands nearly 35 years ago as a leisure experience for adults with severe disabilities.

Who can use Snoezelen?

The Snoezelen concept is based on the idea that everyone has the right to quality leisure.

While everyone can enjoy Snoezelen, it has been shown to be particularly useful for individuals with multiple disabilities and behavioural difficulties.

Snoezelen rooms can be found in a variety of facilities including schools, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities and hospitals.

Community Snoezelen Room

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on holiday weekends

Cost:

A $5 fee per client is applied per visit. All caregivers must have Snoezelen room training before accessing the room independently. There is a $20 fee for training and orientation of the room. The training schedule is available on request.

An overhead track system (Hoyer lift) is available in the Snoezelen room. Clients must bring their own sling.

Community Snoezelen Pool

Session Times:
Schedule varies depending on the season. For more information please contact the Snoezelen co-ordinator

Cost:
$10 per client per 45 minute session.

Access to the Snoezelen pool requires one-on-one support in the pool. A second attendant is permitted if needed. Family change room facilities are available for those bringing a client or child of the opposite sex over the age of seven. An overhead track system (Hoyer lift) is available on the Snoezelen pool deck and in the family change room. Clients must bring their own sling.

Sibling swims are also available. Please contact the Snoezelen Coordinator for details. (Note: siblings are also required to have one-on-one support in the pool).

Rules for Snoezelen Pool Access

Swimmers with bladder/bowel control issues must wear plastic pants or a liner that is impermeable and has snug leg gathersunder their bathing suit.

Failure to do so may result in being turned away the day of the session. Please contact the Snoezelen Coordinator or Pool office at 416-425-6220, extension 3713 or 6259 for information on purchasing appropriate swimwear. Standard pool policy applies including taking a shower before entering the pool.

We have a scent-free policy at Holland Bloorview due to clients and staff with chemical sensitivities. Please refrain from wearing perfume in the pool and change room environment.

Anyone with hair longer than shoulder length is required to tie it up so that it is held above the shoulders.

Contacts

Assessment and pre-registration required for the Community Snoezelen room and pool:
Lorraine Thomas,
Snoezelen Coordinator & Family Support Specialist
Tel: Dial 1-800-855-0511. At operator prompt, give 416-422-7049
Fax: 416-422-7037
E-mail: lthomas (at) hollandbloorview (dot) ca *(see Note below)

Inpatient Snoezelen Room and Snoezelen Cart:
Breanne Mathers,
Certified Child Life Specialist and Inpatient Snoezelen Coordinator
Tel: 416-425-6220 extension 6356
E-mail: bmathers (at) hollandbloorview (dot) ca *(see Note below)

*Note: Copy the above e-mail address into the To field of your e-mail message and reconstruct the e-mail address by removing the spaces and replacing the “at” and “dot” with the proper symbols (@ and .) respectively.

Image of Snoezelen Room

Select Text Size

[E-mail this Page to a friend]