Accessibility Foundation in the Netherlands just released an interactive sofa for people with learning disabilities. Take a seat and you will be in for a surprise! With integrated vibro-acoustic speakers, great interactive software, Completely interactive soundscapes, supported by movement sensors, switches, led-light and RFID readers. The sofa is fun but also encourages interaction, exploration and sensory stimulation.

Place the toy elephant onto the armrest and you enter into the jungle. Gradually you feel the rumble of a heard of elephants in the distance. They move closer and as they come thudding past the whole sofa begins to shake beneath you! Exchange the monkey for the trumpet and you find yourself in the spotlight as conductor of a superb orchestra. As you move your arms through the air the orchestra begins to play to your tempo.

You can also just lie back on the sofa and let it read a book or a poem to you with (or without) sound effects.

The Sound Sofa was (first) developed to provide people with an MDVI the possibility to explore and expand their senses in a fun and inquisitive way. Now you can make your own soundscapes, interactive stories or order them. Add it to the program through the USB port and the experience begins.

Through movement and pressing the sofa's built-in buttons you can interact with each soundscape or music environment, feeling the vibrations through the seat as the sound is passing around you.

We think this is fun. The sofa is available as a sofa, but also as a components system that can be integrated in any space and around any bed or wheelchair.

Let me know if you like the idea.

Eric