Snoezelen Room Program Guidelines

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Empower Simcoe Snoezelen Room.

The Snoezelen Room is a calming, multi-sensory environment designed to promote relaxation, engagement, exploration, and meaningful sensory experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

These Program Guidelines provide information specific to the safe and enjoyable use of the Snoezelen Room.

All bookings are also governed by the Empower Simcoe Marketplace Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Purchased Services Cancellation & Credit Policy. These Marketplace policies should be reviewed before completing a booking.

1. Purpose

The Snoezelen Room is intended to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where participants can enjoy a variety of sensory experiences tailored to their individual preferences and needs.

The room may be used for recreation, relaxation, sensory exploration, therapeutic support, or other appropriate activities.

2. Booking Information

Bookings are completed through the Empower Simcoe Marketplace.

All bookings are subject to room availability.

Full payment is required at the time of booking unless alternative arrangements have been approved by Empower Simcoe.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that booking information is accurate at the time of reservation.

3. Cancellations

Cancellations are governed by the Empower Simcoe Purchased Services Cancellation & Credit Policy.

Customers who are unable to attend should notify Empower Simcoe as soon as possible.

Eligible cancellations may receive Marketplace Credit in accordance with the Marketplace policy.

4. Arrival

Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before their scheduled booking time.

Sessions begin and end at the times indicated in the reservation.

Late arrivals may result in a shortened session to avoid impacting subsequent bookings.

If you expect to arrive late, please notify Empower Simcoe whenever possible.

5. First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may receive a brief orientation before their session begins.

This orientation may include:

• an overview of the room;
• operation of sensory equipment;
• safety information;
• accessibility features; and
• an opportunity to ask questions.

6. Supervision

Participants who require support or supervision must attend with an appropriate caregiver, family member, support worker, or other responsible individual.

Empower Simcoe staff are responsible for maintaining the facility but do not provide personal supervision or direct care during private bookings unless specifically arranged as part of another service.

The supervising individual remains responsible for the safety, behaviour, and well-being of participants throughout the booking.

7. Personal Care

Personal care services are not provided as part of Snoezelen Room bookings.

Participants requiring assistance with personal care should attend with an appropriate support person.

8. Accessibility

Empower Simcoe is committed to providing an accessible environment.

The Snoezelen Room includes accessibility features designed to support a wide range of participants.

Where available, equipment such as ceiling lifts may be used in accordance with posted instructions.

Participants requiring a lift should bring their own compatible sling unless otherwise advised by Empower Simcoe.

If you have accessibility questions before your visit, please contact us so we can discuss how we may best support your visit.

9. Safe Use of Equipment

The Snoezelen Room contains specialized sensory equipment designed to create a relaxing and engaging environment.

To help protect both participants and equipment:

• use equipment only as intended;
• supervise children and individuals requiring assistance;
• avoid rough or unsafe play;
• do not stand on furniture or sensory equipment;
• do not disconnect or reposition installed equipment; and
• report any equipment concerns immediately.

Empower Simcoe reserves the right to discontinue use of any equipment if safety concerns arise.

10. Respecting the Space

We ask all visitors to help maintain a welcoming environment by:

treating staff and other visitors respectfully;
using indoor voices;
respecting booking times;
leaving the room in reasonably clean condition;
disposing of waste appropriately; and
following any instructions provided by Empower Simcoe staff.

Behaviour that places people, equipment, or the facility at risk may result in the session being ended.

11. Food and Beverages

Food and beverages may be restricted within the Snoezelen Room to protect specialized equipment and maintain a clean environment.

Customers should follow any posted signage or instructions provided by staff regarding permitted items.

12. Personal Belongings

Participants are responsible for their personal belongings during their visit.

Empower Simcoe is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

13. Damage to Equipment

The Snoezelen Room contains specialized equipment that requires ongoing care and maintenance.

Customers are expected to use the facility responsibly and report accidental damage immediately.

Where damage results from intentional misuse, negligence, or failure to follow these guidelines, customers may be responsible for repair or replacement costs where permitted by law.

14. Health and Safety

For the comfort and safety of everyone:

• follow all posted safety instructions;
• immediately report hazards or damaged equipment;
• follow staff directions during emergencies;
• do not use equipment in a manner that could cause injury; and
• ensure participants receive appropriate supervision throughout the session.

If staff determine that continued use of the room presents a safety concern, the session may be ended without refund.

15. Facility Rules

To help maintain a safe and welcoming environment:

• Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the facility.
• Illegal drugs and alcohol are prohibited.
  Disruptive, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Appropriate footwear may be required in designated areas.
• Service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable legislation.

16. Session Completion

Customers are asked to conclude their session promptly at the scheduled end time.

This allows staff sufficient time to prepare the room for the next booking and helps ensure all visitors receive their full reserved time.

Please leave the room in the same general condition in which it was found.

17. Questions or Concerns

Our goal is to provide every visitor with a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience.

If you have questions before, during, or after your visit, please speak with an Empower Simcoe staff member.

We welcome feedback and suggestions that help us continue improving the Snoezelen Room experience.

Contact Information

Empower Simcoe
39 Fraser Court
Barrie, Ontario L4N 5J5

Phone: 705-726-9082

Website: marketplace.empowersimcoe.ca

Revision History