Sensory equipment now available at BICHC

Bowen Island Community Health Centre now has sensory equipment on site!

What is sensory equipment?

Sensory equipment is anything that works to either give increased sensory input or reduce it, with the goal of helping regulate a person’s nervous system and emotions. This is especially important for neurodivergent people, such as our friends and neighbours on the autism spectrum. Fidget toys and stress balls are common, familiar examples of touch (also called tactile) devices.

Other examples of items that interact with someone’s senses are:

• Movement/vestibular input: swings, trampolines
• Visual stimulation: bubble tubes, hourglasses, projectors
• Audio input: white noise machines, or reducing sound with noise‑cancelling headphones
• Oral motor stimulation: chewable jewellery (“chewellery”), gum
• Environmental control: pop‑up tents to create quieter, darker spaces

The goal of all of these and other devices is to regulate a person’s nervous system and emotions. If there is too much or too little sensory input, it can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, leading to some difficult stressful moments that can take quite some time to recover. This is particularly true in new environments and places that can themselves bring up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, such as medical facilities.

To put things in context, imagine that every person has a sensory tank — a reservoir that represents how much sensory input their nervous system needs to feel calm and regulated.

• Some people are sensory avoiders – those whose tanks fill upeasily. People like this may feel overwhelmed when more sensory input is added.
• Others are sensory seekers – those whose tanks empty quickly. People like this may need steady sensory input to keep it full.

When a sensory seeker’s tank is low, it becomes difficult for them to sit still, focus, wait patiently, or feel emotionally regulated. Their body may instinctively try to fill the tank by seeking out movement, sound, touch, or visual stimulation. Providing safe, controlled, and effective sensory options — like the equipment we now have on hand — helps them refill that tank and stay regulated.

These are the guiding ideas behind creating our sensory‑friendly spaces.

What do we currently have?

1. Gel-filled tiles – 6 moveable 30cm x 30cm (12” x 12”) tiles filled with different coloured gels. These are intended to be touched to make the gel move around, either with hands, or stepped on on the floor. Visual and tactile stimulation.
2. Bubble wall – Wall-mounted acrylic 51cm x 89cm (20” x 35”) filled with liquid, and equipped with small air jets at the bottom, creating an effect similar to a fish tank. Visual and audio stimulation.
3. Bubble tube – 122cm (48”) tube filled with liquid and little plastic marine creatures. Similar to the bubble wall above, this has air jets bubbling up from the bottom. Visual and audio stimulation.
4. Plasma lamp – 15cm (6” tall) electric orb. Touch it, and the electricity goes to your finger. You know, like at Science World. Visual and tactile stimulation.
5. Beanbag chair – 125cm x 112cm (49” x 44”) It’s a big beanbag. Can be used by an individual, but has space for more than one if getting close with a safe person is needed. Tactile stimulation, proprioceptive feedback.

How can I access the equipment?

The items are intended to be used by patients of the health centre whenever they want them. If you or someone you care for would benefit from having any of these items in an appointment, in the waiting room, or anywhere in our spaces, you are encouraged to ask any member of staff for them.

More to come!