Sensory Offaly
The Sensory Offaly collections and programme are available to support children, young adults and adults with disabilities, additional needs, and learning challenges, along with their families, educators and caregivers.
These may be accessed free of charge by anyone who lives, works or is in education in Offaly.
See the full Sensory Offaly collection here.
Sensory Offaly Book Collection
The Sensory Offaly Book Collection comprises fiction and non-fiction for children, young adults and adults. Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry and Clara libraries each have a selection of Sensory Offaly books, which may be borrowed by all library patrons.
For more details on Sensory Offaly Book Collection, check out our brochure.
Sensory Offaly Toys and Equipment Collection
The Sensory Offaly Toys and Equipment Collection contains a range of items to help in the development of fine motor, gross motor, communication and life skills.
It is based in Birr, Clara, Edenderry and Tullamore Libraries, but collection from other branches may be arranged. Each of our eight branches can provide a sensory backpack for use within the library.
Patrons may borrow up to three items at a time from the collection.
Patron can browse the online brochure and contact their local branch to request an item.
Birr and Tullamore Libraries have Sensory Backpacks which can be loaned to schools. These contain an array of sensory toys and equipment and are available to teachers for loan.
Tullamore Library
This enclosed room offers a range of sensory experiences, including a light-up bubble tube, soft-glow cubes; a seating nook behind an LED curtain, a Magic Table, and a projector.
Sessions of up to 55 minutes can be booked in the Sensory Room, by contacting Tullamore Library or using our online booking system
Edenderry Library
This enclosed room offers a range of sensory experiences, including wall-mounted sensory boards, Lava tiles, and a Magic Table.
Self-directed sessions of up to 45 minutes can be booked by contacting Edenderry Library
Birr Library
The sensory space in Birr Library incudes a range of sensory experiences including soft glow cubes, lava tiles, floating ceiling stars and a magic table. No booking required.
Sensory Offaly Assistive Technology
Magic Table
Magic Tables are available for use in Banagher, Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane, and Tullamore libraries. This games console hosts interactive sound and light-based games on a table-top to promote physical activity, engagement and quality of life for people with dementia and cognitive disabilities. Sit at the table and touch stars to create music, or tap a caterpillar to turn it into a butterfly simply by moving your hand through the light!
TTRS
TTRS (Touch-Type, Read and Spell) is an accessible, multi-sensory online literacy programme that teaches reading and spelling through touch-typing. Suitable from ages seven to 107, this highly adaptive resource uses phonics and typing as teaching tools to improve reading and spelling. It is particularly suited to those with dyslexia, reading difficulties, and other learning differences.
Suitable for individuals and schools, this self-guided, individually paced programme can be accessed by contacting your local branch of Offaly Libraries.
Pen Readers
Pen Readers are designed to promote active independent reading, understanding, and learning.
They are the ideal support tool for people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia or aphasia. They are also of benefit to people with vision problems or those learning a new language.
Suitable for individuals and schools, this self-guided, individually paced programme can be accessed by contacting Tullamore, Birr or Edenderry libraries.
For more details on Sensory Offaly Assistive Technology check out our full brochure here.
Sensory Offaly Programme
The objective of Sensory Offaly is to support children, young adults and adults with disabilities, additional needs, and learning challenges, along with their families, educators, and caregivers.
The Sensory Offaly Programme of events is funded by Laois Offaly CYPSC.
The 2024 Sensory Offaly Programme Offaly included 7 play sessions with Ready Steady Play, 3 sensory storytime sessions with Simone Schuemmelfeder and 2 sessions of Play Therapy with Eleanor Glennon.
The 2025 Programme will commence this summer, with plans to update the toy catalogue, and events with Occuptional Therapists and Play Therapists.