Sensory Pathway for Tauranga Special School

The Tauranga Special School were the worthy recipient of a welcome helping hand from Mitre 10, following a nationwide call which attracted over 250 nominations.

Tauranga Special School teaches students aged 5-21 who have intellectual disabilities, physical or sensory impairments, or are on the autistic spectrum. The new sensory pathway built by the team at Mitre 10 provides a stimulating experience with a variety of surfaces for wheelchairs to move over, such as wood, rocks set in concrete, tactile panels along the fence to reflect local stories and a sensory dark room with switches to activate sounds and a roof that lights up like the night sky.

Teacher Jo Crean said the project benefits students, their families and the wider community.

“The sensory pathway is unique and exciting because it gives viable options for multi-level learning. Educationally, it reflects the current and ongoing needs of all our students and addresses their engagement levels in new and exciting ways. On weekends and during school holidays, the area will be open to students’ families and the many services who provide respite care across the Bay of Plenty. It will be a safe, stimulating destination for these families and care services,” she explained.