“Good golf clubs do not make you a good golfer. Learning how to use them makes you a good golfer.”

Kathy Hirsch


Sensory environments offer an unlimited host of benefits and possibilities for users, if you understand how the sensory system works and how to use the equipment. Without education and understanding, you simply have a room full of pretty products. It’s as simple as that.

Complimentary Training

We want you to start off with the best products, designed in the best configuration, backed by the best education and support that we can offer. That is why Sensory-scapes includes no-cost training with every room we design and install.

We welcome opportunities to speak at workshops, conferences, public events and education days.

Knowledge is empowerment, and at Sensory-scapes we are empowered to improve the quality of life for people with varying needs in residential and educational settings. Sometimes this means sharing knowledge to inspire action and motivate change.

We offer Sensory Integration workshops and conference presentations in the areas of Geriatric and Dementia Care as well Developmental Educaation for children and youth. All presentations are conducted by Kathy Hirsch. Workshops are inspirational, humorous and based on hands on experience working in the field of Developmental Education and Geriatrics.

Sensory Training is estimated at $100 per hour.

  • Rates may fluctuate based on location, not-for-profit status or other considerations.
  • Please contact Kathy directly to discuss your training needs kathy@sensoryscapes.ca or 519-574-7364
  • We are very flexible and can tailor our training to suite your schedule, staff availability and facility.
  • Training includes a review of your sensory space.

Typically our training covers the following:

  • A general understanding of how the “balanced” brain processes sensory stimulation
  • We then look at how the population using your room may process sensory stimulation. This can be specific to people experiencing Autism, Asperger’s, Alzheimer’s Disease etc.
  • We clarify the differences between “over-stimulation” and under-stimulation’ with very specific examples of common responses to both levels of stimulation.
  • We review the 8 common human senses paying specific attention to Vibration, Proprioception, and Vestibulation.
  • Unlike any other sensory training, we explore common responsive behaviours you are experiencing with those you serve, explain why these behaviours may be occurring from a sensory perspective and provide usable tactics to mitigate challenging responses.
  • All training is supported with documentation that you keep.
  • If you have a room, products or program onsite we can spend time in the space reviewing product use, safety and maintenance.
  • If you want it, training can review Sensory Space logistics and best practices such as; tactics for entering and exiting the room, or when to schedule sessions.
  • As always, training is completely interactive and designed to answer your questions and address your needs. We encourage participants to come with lots of questions!

Like our Sensory-scapes, our training is completely customized to meet your needs.

There is no point is teaching you what you already know, or providing material that is not relevant to your situation. You may be looking for a staff refresher, or starting from the very beginning. Regardless, we will work with you, ask questions and craft a training session that:

  • fits your date and time frame.
  • is specific to the age and ability of the people you serve.
  • is offered on-site, or a site you select.
  • can accommodate as many people as required to get the job done.

Training Feedback

Hi Kathy, I can’t thank you enough for the awesome presentation you did today. I also want to thank you for fixing the “bubble issue” of our sensory cart. Thank you so much, really appreciate your time and efforts today!

Providence Centre

Providence Centre

DP. Activation & Programs Manager., Houses of Providence.

The student feedback on your presentation has been so positive. They found you to by dynamic, passionate, humorous and knowledgeable, It was a pleasure to have you join us and I will certainly keep in touch.

George Brown College

George Brown College

I wanted to first let you know how much the staff who attended your workshop LOVED what you shared! They were still talking about the balance and their understanding of sensory after you came. Our principal, after hearing rave reviews, was wondering if you may be willing to come back to our school yet again to present to our entire staff. We are not only looking at it from the perspective of the child, but our own balance and wellness as well.

St. Mary School Trenton

St. Mary School Trenton

JT. SERT Teacher. St. Mary School Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board

Just wanted to send another email to say THANK YOU! I came to work this morning with some messages from a few staff mentioning how helpful it was to consider the sensory “diet” and how it helped change their perspective on how to program. they even brought it back to regular programming as well which was awesome to hear and something we have been trying to address to ensure the residents are receiving activities on multiple domains, So awesome! Thank you. Thank you. Thanks you!

Chartwell Trilogy

Chartwell Trilogy

KC. Program and Services Support Manager

It was a pleasure to have you for our training. It was absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for coming, in fact, it would be great if you could come back, I hope to be in touch with you soon in regards to our sensory room.

Ecole St. Joseph

Ecole St. Joseph

CA. Teacher. Consiel scholaire Viamonde

I want to thank you for a great presentation last week. The volunteers and staff thoroughly enjoyed your education and were engaged. I will be booking again in the spring.

Chartwell Parkhill LTC

Chartwell Parkhill LTC

MB. Program Support Services Manager