Walking into the Dr. Hemant Shah Sensory Theater at the St. Joseph’s School for the Blind, you will find different elements like tactile art, a floor projector, music, a ball pit and aromatherapy machine. These objects are intended to stimulate and encourage students to use senses like touch, hearing and smell.
On Aug. 6, St. Joseph’s held a ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize Dr. Hemant Shah, a native of India, for his contributions to the sensory theater.
In India, they like to refer to a visually impaired person as visually divya (divine). To them, much like Dr. Shah, they find that the visually impaired are very fortunate regardless of having one less sense, because their other senses are much stronger.
When Dr. Shah got to talking with Migdalia Viole, the school’s Director of Community Awareness and Donor Relations, and David Feinhals, the Executive Director, about how he could contribute to their school. Dr. Shah knew the sensory room would be the perfect opportunity.
“When I saw this sensory [room], [I said] it will be amazing,” said Dr. Shah, who was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. “When kids who are visually impaired feel some kind of sensation that they are relaxed and happy, I said this is why I need to do it.”
Although the sensory room was already in existence when they began to brainstorm, Dr. Shah’s contributions will allow the sensory room to continue operations in a large classroom setting, which is very important for the school.
Having the sensory be in a larger space allows for more students and their parents to enjoy a range of sensory objects that can be essential for them.
Besides contributing to Jersey City with his family practice on Central Avenue and serving as Attending Physician at CarePoint Health System, Dr. Shah has contributed a lot to non-profit organizations in New Jersey. He also has provided a lifetime sponsorship to a non-profit school in India.
The St. Joseph’s School for the Blind also has a new digital welcoming sign in the entrance thanks to Dr. Shah.
The school offers programs including the full-time education program, Early Intervention Program, In-District Support Services, and Adult Services.
To learn more about the school, you can visit their website at www.schoolfortheblind.org.
