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Sensory garden established at Clayton

20 August 2008

children playing
The sensory garden promotes physical skill development and exploration through the senses.

A sensory garden has been developed at the Elwyn Morey Centre on Clayton campus thanks to an international donation.

The centre, which supports young children with developmental disabilities, was able to get the garden scheme underway with a $2000 gift from the London-based healthcare consultancy HLSP.

HLSP has a fundraising arm that funds causes on behalf of its employees.

"We had a little boy with autism at the centre whose parent was on study leave in Australia with the company," centre program manager Di Chandler said.

"HLSP heard about us and decided they wanted to give thanks to our program."

Grounds staff from the University's Facilities and Services Division stepped in to develop the garden, which contains a series of platform steps leading to a large pebbled area.

"The ground staff have been fantastic," Ms Chandler said. "It has been a real team effort with grounds staff working closely with two members of our teaching staff, Glenys Severin and Anne Ewart."

"We have just been so impressed with this journey. The expertise of the team bringing it to fruition has been amazing."

Ms Chandler said children with developmental disabilities and, in particular, children with autism, experienced difficulties with motor coordination.

"The sensory garden promotes physical skill development and exploration through the senses. It is good first hand experience," she said.

Fundraising to further develop the garden continues with the aim of establishing a range of sensory plants.

The centre which is part of the Faculty of Education provides a wide range of services and programs. Students from many different study areas utilise the program for observation, tutorial study and practicum placement.