Snoezelen has designed the new state-of-the-art sensory room for Wings Academy. Although this image doesn’t depict the school’s actual design, many of the features, such as the bubble tubes, will be incorporated into the new room. Fundraising is underway to help cover the cost of the room, which educators say is essential to helping academy students learn.

With construction nearing completion on the new Wings Academy in Kewanee, the Henry-Stark County Special Education District is turning its attention to the next phase: raising funds for a state‑of‑the‑art sensory room designed to support students’ emotional and sensory regulation needs.

The school, located on Railroad Avenue in the former American Legion building, is scheduled to open in August and will initially serve 40 special education students. While the $6 million renovation covered the cost of transforming the building into a modern educational facility, it did not include funding for the dedicated sensory room, which is estimated at just over $40,000.

Snoezelen, a national leader in sensory‑based environments, is designing the 11-by‑15‑foot room, which will be located on the second floor of a new addition. The space will feature customizable lighting, sound and visual elements that can shift based on each student’s needs.

Plans include six‑and‑a‑half‑foot bubble tubes that provide calming visual tracking, vibration and auditory stimulation. A sound‑dampening “egg chair,” enclosed by a curtain of fiber‑optic lights, will offer students a private, immersive space with Bluetooth‑enabled audio.

“It feels like you’re in your own world,” said Kim Johnson, transition coordinator for HSCSED 801. “You can individualize the whole room to adapt for any student or staff member.”

The room will operate using Sensory Magic software, allowing staff to adjust colors, images, sounds and videos based on the student’s preference and needs. The room can be adapted to either increase or decrease sensory input. Johnson said the design reflects the needs of the students Wings Academy will serve.

“Knowing the types of students we have, sensory regulation was going to be a huge part of their day,” she said. “This dedicated sensory room is another level of support.”

Smaller sensory spaces will also be incorporated throughout the building, including in hallways and classrooms. But Johnson said the main sensory room will be a critical tool for helping students manage emotions, focus and prepare for learning.

“Sensory and social‑emotional regulation is a big part of the students’ day,” she said. “We have to have those supports built throughout.”

Once installed, Snoezelen will maintain the room and provide staff training.

Fundraising is already underway. A recent honey sale brought in more than $6,000, but additional support is needed to fully fund the project.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and amounts range from the $50 “Busy Bee” tier to the $1,000 “Hive Hero.” Corporate sponsorships are available from $2,500 to $10,000. The donations are tax deductible.

Johnson emphasized that while the school can open without the sensory room, the goal is to have it ready as soon as possible.

“We know it’s what’s best for our students and staff,” she said. “It’s just as important as other things like textbooks. Students will need it to learn.”

For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Kim Johnson at kjohnson@hscsed.org or call 309‑852‑5696.