Viva and the “Step Forward” social NGO mark a significant achievement
With Viva’s support, a sensory integration room based on international standards has been created at the “Step Forward” Center. To achieve the desired outcome, the space was designed and furnished through meticulous research, combining international best practices adjusted to local context. Particular attention was paid to both the availability of specialized technologies and equipment and their therapeutic and educational application. A drab area that had served as a storage space for years has now been transformed into an environment that fosters real change for children with special educational needs. Each piece of equipment in the sensory integration room addresses specific developmental needs.
The Tobii eye-gaze system plays a particularly important role in this room, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technological solutions. It serves as a vital tool for specialists to conduct observations and assessments, while also acting as a means of communication for children with autism. The system enables a precise assessment of a child’s visual communication (contact) and attention levels, as well as their ability to respond to external stimuli. It is used to control the sensory room’s interactive elements, such as the rain effect, the colored water tube, and the interactive sky. Camille Matta, founder and CEO of the assistive technology firm “Consort World”, presented the capabilities of this sensory integration room to Viva’s General Director Armen Avetisian.
“What I saw inside leads me to conclude that our collaboration has been a success. A functional system has been created that integrates therapy, learning, and sensory regulation. This room will transform the children’s quality of life and foster their ability to focus and engage in non-verbal communication. This is crucial for everyone involved with the center—children, specialists, and parents alike. A space that was once a small storage room has been completely transformed and modernized with smart, state-of-the-art solutions. I am confident that the results of this project will be long-lasting,” said General Director of Viva Armen Avetisian.
“The sensory integration room created thanks to Viva is a significant achievement for specialists, children, and parents alike. When working with a child, specialists at the ‘Step Forward’ social NGO center can now identify sensory responses based on concrete facts within a controlled environment, rather than relying merely on observation or experience. In other words, instead of guessing, they work based on recorded data. The room enables the rapid development of individualized intervention plans when needed, helps reduce stress for the children, and makes therapy sessions more effective,” said Camille Matta, an assistive technology expert and the founder and CEO of “Consort World”.
In a sensory integration room, a child with autism becomes an active participant in and a modifier of the environment, without the need for speech or complex movements. Using a tablet-based interface, the child can alter the room’s lighting, sounds, and images in real time. This offers a unique opportunity for individuals with limitations in fine motor skills and coordination, as well as those facing communication challenges.
“With Viva’s support, we have a sensory integration room that is crucial due to its long-term impact. This is not merely a space for organizing therapy sessions or providing temporary support. Our goal is to develop skills that children can apply in their daily lives—at school, at home, and in social settings. These changes are already noticeable within a very short period; children are beginning not only to respond but also to take the initiative. Ultimately, true success lies in the changes observed outside the sensory room—when a child can transfer that experience to real life, demonstrating improved self-regulation, communication, and engagement skills,” said Arpine Ashotyan, President of the “Step Forward” social NGO.
On an annual basis, the “Step Forward” NGO provides therapeutic services to approximately 120 beneficiaries. Of these, 100 have special educational needs or disabilities, while 20 come from socially vulnerable families. Every second beneficiary experiences sensory issues. A new, appropriately adapted multisensory environment could play an indispensable role for them.
