Training in South Korea

Once again 19 enthusiasts (ergo- and physiotherapists, counsellors, specialists from the areas of education and geriatric care) came together in May 2011 in Seoul, to obtain ISNA’s International additional Qualification Snoezelen. They completed Modules I and II, which are applicable to all countries (look Ausbildung), and will complete the training in May next year with the practical Modules III (elderly people) and IV (Children in nursery and foundation level).



Courses are held under ideal conditions in the well-known Seoul Community Rehabilitation Centre, headed by Secunda Park. Prof. Dr. Krista Mertens has designed a large Snoezelen area of which a smaller section (21m²) can be used primarily by severely impaired people and young children (water sound bed, fibre optics, bubble columns and mirror ball). The larger (42m²) accommodates 5 bubble columns as well as seating areas/mats along the walls and within the room. Several fibre optics and lighting elements are hanging up on the wall or are laid out the wooden floor. The large projection screen with a fixed beamer allows for images to be projected. The versatile equipment means that the room can be used for and adapted to various target groups and needs – especially for the patients of the institution and the elderly.
The room is to host regular training courses as well as inviting to the open house event, a well received event taking place all over South Korea. The company Thieme ensured that the equipment was air-freighted in time which meant the first two courses could take place, using the first part-delivery. A Snoezelen room, which was already set up 20 years ago, is in the process of being redeveloped and will be the venue for the 11th International congress of ISNA. Participating at a congress in Seoul will not just be of interest to the European members but also to the colleagues from Japan, Taiwan and especially Korea, who are showing a big interest in Snoezelen and are increasingly setting up respective rooms in various institutions. Preparatory work has already started.

Prof. Dr. Krista Mertens