HAZLETON, Pa. — April is autism acceptance month, and the Hazleton Area Recreation Program on South Poplar Street is taking a big step towards inclusivity with the first and only public sensory room in the Hazleton area.
Christie Provanzo, executive director of the Hazleton Area Recreation Program, says, "We have sensory pads. Things they can touch. Things they can play with. That is based on their needs."
Provanzo says the idea for the sensory room came after she realized some of the kids and teens who participate in some HARP programs had siblings on the autism spectrum. HARP offers programs like boxing and other rigorous sports, and Provanzo noticed those on the spectrum would sometimes get overwhelmed by the loud noises and bangs of a typical gym.
HARP wants to ensure the center is a place where everyone feels welcomed and works hand-in-hand with the group collaborative autism movement to make the sensory room come to life.
Although the sensory room has not officially opened, Provanzo says one member of HARP on the spectrum has already tested it out.
She says, "and he knows the code, and so he comes straight in, and he asks me first, you know, Ms. Christie's sensory room? Sensory? And he can open that lock and that just brings him, you know, closer to us and gives him like a job. It's a job for him to come in."
The room has an array of different activities and items members on the spectrum can use, including silent disco headphones.
The sensory wall in the underwater-themed room also glows in the dark for a more immersive and relaxing experience.
Provanzo says, "And then on our sensory wall, this was painted by Christy Panzarella, she's a principal at the Hazleton Area School District, and then we embedded some sensory items on it so that they can touch and play with them. Some are wood. They're different textures. They're glass. We have some rocks down in here, and then we just tried to get creative with bubbles."
Provanzo says HARP wants to do its best to follow through with those members on the spectrum who age out of the school system. The program wants to expand into the adult sector with things like mindful yoga for adults.
HARP says, "HARP’s intention is to be an all-inclusive facility and partners with local organizations, including Collaborative Autism Movement, to evaluate the needs in our area. Collaborative Autism Movement and HARP are partnering to provide an Inclusive Youth Sports Social Program. The vision is to have children with disabilities partner up with neurotypical children to help promote inclusiveness and kindness. This buddy program will enable us to teach youth to be accepting of children of all kinds and to support their unique differences. This program will help minimize bullying in our schools and provide socialization for children with disabilities."
Provanzo says other HARP kids and teens on not on the spectrum have also used the room for meditation and other mindful activities.
The Sensory Room will soon be available for private rentals, including birthday parties and events. HARP is currently inviting the community to stop by and check it out. You can find the date for the sensory room's grand opening when they announce it on their social media sites.