Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Beal.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I created my first themed sensory rooms in 2020 when I opened the Autism Wellness Center of Southwest Michigan.
I had been working as a personal trainer and wanted to create a sensory-friendly exercise and consultation space for people on the spectrum.
I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder myself in 2018. The year before, I began earning my Master’s in Developmental Disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University.
I earned my B.A in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from Western Michigan University, where I took courses on visual Rhetoric and design.
I’m inspired by museum installations, light shows, holiday displays, theme parks, and selfie rooms.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My colleagues at Sensory Health and I certainly encountered many obstacles along the way to installing our Enchanted Forest Sensory Waiting Room–including multiple redesigns to accommodate clinical needs like water-resistant fabrics, as well as shipping delays and other unexpected product issues.
I can say, however, that every obstacle we were presented with truly felt less like a challenge, and more like an opportunity to learn.
Each step, victory or kerfuffle, created space for reassessment–is this working? Is this what our client needs?
Is there a better, more creative, innovative, effective, and/or sustainable way for us to achieve our goals? Often, the answer is yes!
Unfortunately, even with the most thorough planning possible, trial-and-error can take a bit of time–but we’re so happy with the finished product and are grateful for every chance we were given to do a little better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the Director of Communications and Sensory Design for a Dallas-based company called Sensory Health.
We design and install custom sensory spaces for dental and health clinics, including waiting rooms and operatories (the room where you actually receive health care).
Thanks to the generosity of the Delta Dental Foundation, we recently opened an Enchanted Forest themed Sensory Waiting Room in a federally-funded dental clinic, and outfitted two closed-door operatories with additional Sensory modulation materials.
The Enchanted Forest features soundproofing materials from floor to ceiling, custom LED firefly curtains, custom butterfly wall display, 3D rock and log pillows, and an LED willow tree–among other light features and personal sensory items like earplugs, sunglasses, and fidget toys.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’ve struggled with sensory processing challenges since before my earliest memories. It’s part of what makes me uniquely effective at what I do, but it’s also very difficult for me to spend hours on site while the sensory modulation process plays out. I just want the world to be quieter. Everywhere. All of the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sensory.health
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sensory.health
Image Credits:
Erin Beal
