In recent years, sensory rooms have been introduced in special support schools in Japan to cater to the needs of children with disabilities. A sensory room is a specialized space designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities by modifying visual, auditory, tactile, and vestibular stimuli. These rooms are particularly beneficial for individuals with developmental disabilities such as LD, ADHD, and ASD, providing a calming environment to reduce stress and agitation during moments of panic.

Sensory rooms are expected to enhance the overall quality of educational environments by addressing diverse student needs. This study investigated the current state of sensory room implementation in special support schools across Japan and proposed effective designs based on teachers' evaluations.

A nationwide survey was conducted in November 2023, targeting 819 special support schools. A total of 102 schools responded to the questionnaire, which included items on sensory room usage, equipment availability, and preferences for optimal facilities.

The findings revealed that only a small number of schools had dedicated sensory rooms, with many using shared spaces for this purpose. The primary users of sensory rooms were children with intellectual disabilities, including ASD and ADHD. Teachers highlighted the importance of small, private spaces equipped with calming elements such as dimmable lighting. Schools with sensory rooms reported a strong recognition of their necessity among faculty, and those using shared spaces expressed a high demand for dedicated facilities.

Teachers identified key features of an ideal sensory room: accessibility from classrooms, minimal furnishings, a quiet and soothing atmosphere, and adjustable lighting to create a calming effect. Some advanced implementations included customizable lighting and multi-sensory stimulation to enhance the experience.

These findings underscore the importance of establishing sensory rooms in special support schools to foster an educational environment that supports the mental health and well-being of children with disabilities.

Keywords: Sensory Room, Special Support School, Teachers' Evaluation, Children with Disability.