Press Release: VECTA Sensory Carts
Hamilton Ontario, December 19, 2023 — We are excited to share that Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton is launching a new project to strengthen our commitment to create inclusive environments for all children!
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.
At Umbrella we will be using the funding to support a project surrounding the creation of inclusive sensory environments for children by purchasing VECTA Deluxe Portable Sensory Carts.
“We believe that learning opportunities for children with varying sensory needs should be embedded within children’s natural environment, particularly within familiar daily life routines that are predictable, meaningful, motivating, and developmentally-appropriate. The VECTA Deluxe Portable Sensory Carts will increase educators ability to support existing and new children with unique needs.” said Darryl Hall, CEO of Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton.
“The VECTA cart has been a true asset to the children and educators at Shannen Koostachin. We are creating environments that are breaking down barriers and cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusion for all. We are seeing the benefits, both subtle and exaggerated, and we’ve only just begun discovering its potential!” said Ashley Franko, Supervisor of Umbrella Shannen Koostachin.
Implementing VECTA Deluxe Portable Sensory Carts into programming will:
o Provide children of various ages and abilities to engage with a variety of sensory experiences
o Support the development of regulation in social and emotional areas, with its soothing and calming features
o Increase educators ability to support existing and new children with unique needs
o Reduce barriers for families who require specialized child care for their children
o Reduce barriers for non-verbal and mobility challenged children and increase engagement for children aged 0-12
The Umbrella Program Excellence Team will be implementing 4 VECTA Deluxe Portable Sensory Carts into Umbrella programming from December 2023 – March 2024.
