Until now the severely physically and mentally disabled have had little to stimulate them, other than structured therapy, and certainly no recreational or leisure activities in which they could participate with their families, friends or caregivers.

All that is about to change, however, thanks to the generosity of the local Pilot Club, and WindReach Recreational Village in conjunction with the John Adams Trust, where a Snoezelen w room is under construction on the lower level of the Activity Centre.

Snoezelen -- the word is a contraction of two Dutch words which translate as "sniffing'' and "dozing'' -- was developed in Holland as a means of providing appropriate relaxation and leisure facilities to people with sensory and learning disabilities.

Basically, Snoezelen consists of a room which offers multi-sensory experiences specifically designed to stimulate the primary senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Unlike structured therapy, the system places few demands on the disabled person's cognitive ability, but does facilitate trust and relaxation.

Like Snoezelen rooms in other countries, the one at WindReach will be fitted with a variety of specialised equipment, including light and pattern projectors; a disco ball; columns of bubbling water which change colour; a "pool'' filled with balls, a "Milky Way'' illuminated floor mat; fibre optic sprays, music, and more.

The mirrored room will provide a completely safe environment for all disabilities, and be fitted with big, comfortable cushions, special chairs and a ball pool designed to support the individual and encourage them to relax.

People who are normally confined to beds and wheelchairs, for example, will enjoy a newfound sense of freedom.

Lighting and sound will be operated by remote control, allowing the disabled person or whoever accompanies them to change such things as the size and speed of the bubbles or light patterns on the wall and ceiling to their preference without having to move.

Stimulation of the sense of smell will be through the use of aromatherapy oils.

Because Snoezelen's uniqueness allows it to be adjusted for individual needs, the room will be available by appointment only.

"Snoezelen is a unique concept, and WindReach wanted to offer something to the community as a whole,'' says the charity's executive director Jacqueline Horsfield.

"It will complement our existing Sensory Trail and Fragrant Garden. The therapeutic, recreational and educational value of this new feature will impact the quality of life for children, teens and seniors who visit us.'' Mrs. Horsfield explains that, in addition to the mentally and physically disabled, the room will also be beneficial to people with autism and Alzheimer's disease, for whom stimulation is equally important. In addition those with chronic pain will find comfort in Snoezelen's relaxing atmosphere.

Next month WindReach plans to hold two all-day training sessions to teach those who deal with the disabled -- nurses, teachers, therapists, caregivers, parents and friends -- how the Snoezelen concept works, and how they can built it into their programmes for individuals or groups with whom they are working.

"The idea is to train trainers so we will have a bank of people who are skilled in introducing the whole concept of how to use the facility,'' Mrs.

Horsfield says. "There will be a slight charge for training.'' The idea of having a Snoezelen room at WindReach was first mooted by Mrs.

Barbara McCormack, whose daughter is severely disabled and who has benefitted from the concept in her native Canada.

Mrs. McCormack, who has installed a demonstration Snoezelen room at WindReach Farm in Canada, travels throughout North and South America designing these rooms. Working in collaboration with WindReach officials here, Ms Julie Lawson, the occupational therapist at St. Brendan's, and other interested parties, she helped WindReach to arrive at its final design.

The $25,000 cost of the installation is being met by the Pilot Club.

"The local chapter is dedicated to providing opportunities for people with brain-related disorders, and that fits in with our mandate,'' Mrs. Horsfield says.

"In fact, they gave us slightly more than $25,000 because their members support the concept. We hope they will also become volunteers.'' For further information contact Mrs. Horsfield at 238-2469 or fax 238-2597.

Light Relief: Fibre optic sprays, top, are effective in stimulating the severely mentally disabled. Here, Mrs. Barbara McCormack watches a child respond to the tiny beams of light. Similar sprays will be available in the new Snoezelen Room at WindReach Recreational Village, which Mrs. McCormack helped to design. Meanwhile the carpet of lights dubbed `The Milky Way', above, is activated by physical pressure.