Flaghouse, a global supplier of physical education equipment and products for professionals who deal with children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, was new to last month's AHRA Exhibition & Conference.

"This is our first time at the AHRA, and we are a very different company to be a part of this show," said Diana Hohmann, Brand Manager, Flaghouse.

Flaghouse's products are targeted to young children and adults with health issues and disabilities, such as those with special needs and who are bedridden/have limited movement.
Their latest products showcased at the AHRA, the Ground FX and Immersive Therapy Cart, are part of SNOEZELEN, multisensory environments that help patients experience self-control, autonomous discovery, and exploration-achievements that overcome inhibitions, enhance self-esteem, and reduce tension.

FlagHouse management encountered SNOEZELEN during visits to Europe in 1991. In further visits, FlagHouse staff witnessed the extraordinary potential of SNOEZELEN to have a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Later that year, FlagHouse signed an exclusive distribution agreement for North America with ROMPA International, the owners of the SNOEZELEN trademark.

Barbara McCormick, the Vice President of Flaghouse, met with GestureTek, the world-leader in camera-enabled gesture-recognition technology for presentation and entertainment systems, to create these wonderful products that have been a hit with young children.

The GroundFX is a projector and camera that produces ground effects images using the software, by projecting them onto floors, walls, or tables. GestureTek's® tracking system continuously detects body position which allows for real-time interaction between clients and projected image. This way special needs people can interact with the images without having to touch a thing. They can step on pools of water to create ripples. Or sweep an arm and watch images flip or fly.

This product is mostly used in schools, pediatrics, and hospital waiting rooms, to provide stimulation for patients. Because it is so bright and in your face, the product is able to get a reaction out of the patients.

"It makes patients relaxed and happy, giving them the opportunity to interact with their environment at their own pace instead of being told what to do," said Hohmann. The activities are their own creations and they wanted the product to be therapeutic, educational, and for those with special needs.

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