The hospital experience can be especially challenging for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Cooper University Health Care has embarked on a wide-ranging program to enhance care for this patient population. They reached out to our healthcare design team to assist with renovations to key spaces within Cooper University Hospital.

We incorporated multisensory features into a pediatric specialty exam room and sub-waiting room as well as an inpatient radiology holding area. These touch, sight, and sound sensory-friendly rooms include elements such as special lighting, weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and other features to help calm patients so they can better interact with their care team. We designed these spaces to provide a positive experience and enhance care for I/DD patients, which includes those with epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy, and many syndromes that can result in impairment of intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior.

These spaces are flexible and can be adjusted to provide more stimulation or a calm, soothing space as needed, and support Cooper’s goal of providing a better care experience to all patients.

Design: Stantec
Design Team: Tasso Karras, Kristina Klingbeil, Natalie Kotsidis, Madison Kurtz
Photography: Jeffrey Totaro