After a fun morning out with friends, sometimes what you need most is a quiet space before moving on with the day. Instead of heading into a busy space, you step into a room created exactly for moments like this. A cozy couch, soft lighting, and hands-on sensory games greet you. Within minutes, you feel recharged and ready to take on the rest of the day. 

That’s the everyday benefit of the new sensory room in the Day Options program in Maryland. It is a place built around comfort, choice, and calm, and people are already using it regularly to recharge in ways that work best for them. 

The idea for the sensory room grew out of both observation and growth. Program Manager John Stout Jr. shared that the program has expanded significantly over the last three years, and it became clear that some participants would thrive with a space designed for relaxation, sensory exploration, and self-regulation. Thanks to a grant from the Aspire Community Giving Fund, that vision is now a reality. 

The sensory room has quickly become part of the daily rhythm. On any given day, five or six people make use of the space. Some head straight in as soon as they arrive, while others stop by after community outings before joining the next activity. Lucas, who attends the Day Options program, summed it up perfectly: “I love coming in here because of the lights and the sounds. It’s a very relaxing place to be.” 

It is clear this room is more than just a new space. It has already become a meaningful part of the Maryland program, giving people the chance to pause, relax, and shape their day in ways that feel right for them.  

Want to see more of how people are using resources like this to support their own routines? Follow Aspire on social media to catch these moments in action every day.