Autism Society office in Corner Brook excited about new location, bigger sensory room

Kayla Keats just can’t wait.

This coming week will be a big one for Keats and everyone else associated with the western regional office of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

While the society is planning an official opening of its new location at 79 Broadway this Friday, a special delivery expected for Tuesday is going to impact the lives of many of the clients served by the office.

The former location on Main Street was small and, although it did have a sensory room, the new location will allow for a much larger therapeutic space.

To help furnish the sensory room, the charity group 12 Months, 12 Miracles has been coordinating a fundraiser in conjunction with Corner Brook toy store Kinder Castle. The effort has been collecting donations and toys that will be presented to the Autism Society for its sensory room Tuesday.

Keats is looking forward to all the sounds, sights and textures.

“We don’t know what we’re getting,” said Keats, the society’s western regional assistant manager. “Once we get it on Tuesday, we’ll get to fill up the room and get it ready for Friday.”
The society already has plenty of toys that appeal to sensory exploration, such as balls, a sand table, Play-Doh, soft gym equipment and crash mats. It also has a big machine called a Snoezelen sensory cart that has sounds, fibre optic lighting and bubble tubes.

The society presented the fundraiser organizers with a wish list of sorts that asked for items such as puzzles, art supplies, blocks, musical instruments and imaginary play items.

The official opening of the new office set for between 3-6 p.m. Friday, with everyone welcome to attend.