Sensory Awareness Trail Group 06209 Luke Hogan Tony

Sensory Awareness Trail Group 06209 Luke Hogan, Tony Wong, Rich Adams, Chiedu Monu, Tim Mugwanya

Mission Statement • To provide sensory stimulation by implementing various sights and sounds that incorporate physical presence of the environment. • Sponsor: Everybody Rides Program, located in Newark, NY

Sensory Awareness Trail Background • Everybody Rides is a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding program that serves over 400 riders annually with developmental disabilities. • Uses Hippotherapy, or therapy on horseback. A physical therapist and riding instructor work as a team to provide exercises which positively impact the rider's physical limitations.

Needs Assessment • Develop a plan that will include all of the desired features that are to be added to the trail. • Stimulate motor skills of participants. • Educate participants on their natural surroundings. • Any required energy should be generated on site.

Solar-Powered Fountain • Place a floating fountain in the pond near the trail. • This will be anchored close to land to optimize user-stimulation.

Animal Silhouettes • Have silhouettes in a clearing that will project natural animal sounds. • Silhouettes will be slightly off the trail and the sounds will be activated by motion sensors or buttons.

Informative Audio Clips • Stations along the trail will have informative audio clips that will educate the user about their natural surroundings. • i. e. Maple trees, flowers, white pines, etc.

Pine Cone Game • A game will be in place on the trail where the participants take pine cones from one bucket and place them in the next bucket. • The buckets will light up, using sensors, when the pine cones are exchanged.

Map Center • A map will be placed at the beginning of the trail. This map will show the trail’s route. – A wind vane will be mounted on top of the map for visual effect. – Alongside the map, a game will be put in place to stimulate the participant’s motor skills. • A model horse will have to be navigated down a guided track to its stable.

Trail Bridge • A bridge will be built over a creek where it intersects the trail. • Hoof sounds made by the horses as they cross the bridge will be soothing and entertaining to the riders.

Feedback? This material is based upon work supported by the national Science Foundation under Award No. BES-0527358 Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.