Sensory and Observation Lab

The mission of the Sensory and Observation Lab (SOL) is to provide training, research, and service for the use of various sensory interventions with individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent issues. The SOL is comprised of a Sensory Room (2104 Belk) which includes various sensory-related interventions that are applied and studied and an Observation Room (2103 Belk) is a separate space where researchers, students, and family members can observe clients and research participants behind a concealable two-way mirror.

Lab Amenities

Lincoln Robinson, age four, and ECU student volunteer Gabrielle Carmina spend time in the PeeDee’s Sensory Room in Minges Coliseum. (ECU Photo by Cliff Hollis)

2-way Observation Mirror with 2-way speakers

Aroma Diffuser

Smartwheel  Wheelchair Propulsion Roller

Mobile Snoezelen Device

• Color wheel projection
• Bubble column
• Light curtain

Bean Bag Seating

In-Room Dome Ceiling Camera for session recording

Dimmable lighting

Speakers/music

PeeDee’s Sensory Space & RT2GO Mobile Clinic and Research Lab

Finally, the SOL extends to PeeDee’s Sensory Space and RT2GO Mobile Clinic and Research Lab, a mobile unit where sensory and recreational therapy interventions are taken to clients, agencies, and events in eastern North Carolina. As an outreach of the ECU SOL, PeeDee’s Sensory Space was established in 2022. Funded through private donations, PeeDee’s Sensory Space was designed and built by ECU students and faculty as a mobile trailer that can be transported to various sites that may not have access to the ECU SOL.

The mobile sensory space includes the following resources:

6 foot Bubble Column

LED lighting

Sensory-Motor Puzzle Boards

Tactile Wall

Music

LED lighting

Aroma Diffuser

Patterned Color Lighting

Bean Bag Seating

Sensory Bags (including headphones, fidget spinner, communication placard, sensory toys & handhelds)**can be checked out FREE of charge to use at seats or while at events)**

The trailer is powered by a generator with ac/heat and custom built with acoustic tiles to reduce internal sound for participants. For a virtual tour of PeeDee’s Sensory Space, click HERE. To book PeeDee’s Sensory Space and make your community event more sensory inclusive, contact SOL Lab Director, Dr. David Loy (loyd@ecu.edu).

In the future, PeeDee’s Sensory Space will also serve as the RT2Go Mobile Clinic & Research Lab where various recreational therapy interventions will be offered in the mobile trailer to be transported to reach parts of rural eastern North Carolina where services are unavailable. These RT Interventions will include:

Virtual Reality

Biofeedback

Stress Management

Sport Wheelchair Propulsion and Recreation Skill Development

Therapeutic & Health Gaming

Student Research Opportunities

We have many opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved with research in the lab. SOL Faculty mentor undergraduate and graduate students doing independent research projects. If you are interested in research graduate assistantships, please contact SOL affiliate faculty for potential funding opportunities. Students interested in our MS program curriculum and application process can check out more information here.

Research Themes

Multisensory Spaces & Sensory Inclusion

Mobile Recreational Therapy for Individuals with Disabilities

Therapeutic Effects of Aroma

Virtual Reality

Wheelchair Push Biomechanics

Sensory Motor Development