NCDOH Unveils New Sensory Play Room for Children with Special Needs
The Niagara County Department of Health’s Children with Special Needs Division proudly announces opening of a new sensory play room at the Trott Access Center in Niagara Falls. Funded through the New York State Community Access and Inclusion grant, this space represents a major step forward in providing accessible, family-centered support developed in response to local families with children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).The sensory play room is designed to serve families countywide, providing a welcoming environment that goes beyond just play. Key features and services include:
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Inclusive Play Sessions: Open play times are available for any family meeting CYSHCN eligibility criteria, along with scheduled individual or small-group sessions.
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Therapeutic Support: Families enrolled in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education programs may utilize the room for therapy sessions with their existing providers.
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Equipment Lending Library: Enrolled families have the unique opportunity to borrow select sensory toys and specialized equipment for use in their own homes.
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Caregiver Community: A dedicated parent coffee bar offers a space for caregivers to connect, while on-site CYSHCN staff are available to provide referrals and navigate additional supports.
“This new sensory play room directly advances our public health priorities by fostering early engagement with families and children, reducing barriers to care, and promoting inclusive community resources that benefit Niagara County as a whole,” said Dr. Fauzia Khan, Niagara County Public Health Director. “Programs like this are vital because they strengthen family resilience, support healthy child development, and contribute to the overall public health of our community by addressing the unique needs of children and youth with special health care needs.”
"Working with families with special needs has shown me the vital importance of having a dedicated, accessible space like the Niagara County Sensory Room,” said Niagara County Legislator Rick Abbott. “I commend the Department of Health for engaging community stakeholders to identify this unmet need and utilizing feedback to design a space that ensures every Niagara County resident feels welcome and supported."
The sensory room opening is scheduled for Friday, April 17, during the National Week of the Young Child. The room will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and welcomes anyone interested in learning more to come in and take a look at the space.
Open hours and contact information are available on the Niagara County Department of Health website at Children & Youth With Special Health Care Needs Program or by contacting the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program at (716) 278-8194.
“We are excited to use this funding to fill a critical need for our families by creating a fun, engaging space for families in Niagara County in an easily accessed location in the Trott Access Center (Room A210) right across from the Niagara Falls DMV,” said Janice Jenosheck, Director of the Children with Special Needs Division at the Niagara County Department of Health. “This sensory play room will serve as a welcoming hub where children and youth, along with their families, can play, learn, and connect—all while receiving the coordinated supports that promote healthier outcomes across our community.”
Open hours and contact information are available on the Niagara County Department of Health website at Children & Youth With Special Health Care Needs Program or by contacting the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program at (716) 278-8194.