Dear Parents/Members,
We are delighted to announce that DSD AC has become the first athletics club in the country to install a Sensory Pod on its premises. Funding for this project was awarded by Athletics Ireland through their Disability Capital Support Scheme for which we are so grateful.
The Sensory Pod is a calming, comfortable and relaxing space for both children and adults. The DSD Sensory Pod - which is 2.4m long, 1.23m wide and 1.83m high - is located in the storage room under the viewing stand at the track, away from the hustle and bustle of the training environment. It features a five-colour adjustable mood light ceiling which can be changed instantly to the preferred colour or complete blackout. Calming music will play on a loop from the inbuilt screen inside the Pod.
Use of the Sensory Pod has been clinically proven to help prevent and manage the potential disruption caused by sensory overload, through pre-emptive usage when stress, anxiety or overstimulation is bubbling. It provides a cocooned, safe haven for children and adults alike. The main purpose of the DSD Sensory Pod is to allow members to take a brief respite and immerse themselves in a sensory environment that allows them to take full control of their sensory stimulation. This can aid in calming the individual’s body system and better preparing themselves for participation in training to the best of their ability!
The Sensory Pod also provides coping confidence in the knowledge of having the tools for a calmer environment - it encourages personal sensory regulation and independence. While priority use of the Sensory Pod will be for members with a range of sensory, emotional and behavioural differences - such as autism and ADHD. - any child or adult can benefit from its use.
Should you or your child wish to use the Sensory Pod at any stage, please notify the coach or one of our trackside volunteers who will be happy to assist.
Here are some guidelines for it's use:
1. Children are only allowed to access the Pod with coach permission and under coach supervision.
2. Child Safeguarding remains a priority! Coaches should not enter the Pod with a child/children. There is a viewing window to keep an eye on the child inside when the door is shut.
3. No food or beverages are permitted inside.
4. No shoes allowed.
5. Mat should be wiped down when necessary using anti bacterial wipes.
6. Steps to be kept at the side when not in use.
7. No more than two children at any one time.
8. Please do not place anything on the roof of the Pod as this may damage the electrical cables.
9. Should only be plugged in when in use. We will be installing a power socket next to the unit so the need for the extension cables will be removed.
The Pod is not a toy and we ask that all users respect and maintain it.
Best regards,
Tess Byrne
Club Children's Officer
DSD AC
We are delighted to announce that DSD AC has become the first athletics club in the country to install a Sensory Pod on its premises. Funding for this project was awarded by Athletics Ireland through their Disability Capital Support Scheme for which we are so grateful.
The Sensory Pod is a calming, comfortable and relaxing space for both children and adults. The DSD Sensory Pod - which is 2.4m long, 1.23m wide and 1.83m high - is located in the storage room under the viewing stand at the track, away from the hustle and bustle of the training environment. It features a five-colour adjustable mood light ceiling which can be changed instantly to the preferred colour or complete blackout. Calming music will play on a loop from the inbuilt screen inside the Pod.
Use of the Sensory Pod has been clinically proven to help prevent and manage the potential disruption caused by sensory overload, through pre-emptive usage when stress, anxiety or overstimulation is bubbling. It provides a cocooned, safe haven for children and adults alike. The main purpose of the DSD Sensory Pod is to allow members to take a brief respite and immerse themselves in a sensory environment that allows them to take full control of their sensory stimulation. This can aid in calming the individual’s body system and better preparing themselves for participation in training to the best of their ability!
The Sensory Pod also provides coping confidence in the knowledge of having the tools for a calmer environment - it encourages personal sensory regulation and independence. While priority use of the Sensory Pod will be for members with a range of sensory, emotional and behavioural differences - such as autism and ADHD. - any child or adult can benefit from its use.
Should you or your child wish to use the Sensory Pod at any stage, please notify the coach or one of our trackside volunteers who will be happy to assist.
Here are some guidelines for it's use:
1. Children are only allowed to access the Pod with coach permission and under coach supervision.
2. Child Safeguarding remains a priority! Coaches should not enter the Pod with a child/children. There is a viewing window to keep an eye on the child inside when the door is shut.
3. No food or beverages are permitted inside.
4. No shoes allowed.
5. Mat should be wiped down when necessary using anti bacterial wipes.
6. Steps to be kept at the side when not in use.
7. No more than two children at any one time.
8. Please do not place anything on the roof of the Pod as this may damage the electrical cables.
9. Should only be plugged in when in use. We will be installing a power socket next to the unit so the need for the extension cables will be removed.
The Pod is not a toy and we ask that all users respect and maintain it.
Best regards,
Tess Byrne
Club Children's Officer
DSD AC
