Mateja Vukašinec
ERF, University of Zagreb / E-Glas
Mateja Vukašinec works as an assistant at the Department of Motor Disorders, Chronic Diseases and Art Therapies at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb. She collaborates in the AT Lab at the ERF Rehabilitation Centre and works as a specialist in assistive technology and sensory integration at E-Glas. She is a member of the AT Working Group at the Croatian Chamber of Educational Rehabilitators. She has many years of rich experience in the application of sensory integration and assistive technology in working with children with developmental disabilities. Her professional work is focused on raising awareness of the importance of meeting the sensory needs of children with developmental disabilities in all life environments, and on the importance of applying assistive technology in order to enable as inclusive an environment as possible for all children with developmental disabilities.
MY SESSIONS
SENse the Difference: How Multisensory Environments Transform Engagement and Communication
This session explores the role of multisensory environments in supporting children with developmental disabilities. Drawing on evidence-based research and the hands-on expertise of special education and rehabilitation professionals, the session highlights why creating rich sensory learning experiences is essential for holistic development, and how the right environment can make a difference.
A central focus of the session is the impact of multisensory assistive technology (AT) solutions on two critical areas: engagement and communication. Participants will gain insight into how thoughtfully designed sensory tools can help unlock a child's potential, foster meaningful interaction, and support the development of functional communication skills even in children with complex needs.
The session also presents exciting new innovations developed at the intersection of science and practice, co-created with specialists in special education and rehabilitation. These solutions reflect a commitment to bridging research and real-world application, offering attendees both inspiration and practical takeaways they can bring back to their own settings.