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While A. Jean Ayres was working in California on her theory and treatment principles regarding Sensory Integration, word began to spread to Europe about this new theory. During the late 1970's, two Occupational Therapists from Scotland found out about this work, and Elizabeth Stephenson and Elizabeth Fairgreaves were instrumental in setting up the Study Group on Perception. During the coming years, three other organisations were set up. The Sensory Integration Association and the British Institute for Sensory Integration in the UK and the Irish Sensory Integration Association in Ireland. Each organisation held its own training courses and held membership. As all the groups attempted to keep abreast of the development of this exciting treatment modality, much duplicating of work was happening.
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| In 1994, the Chairpersons and one other committee member from each of the four organisations met under the title of the Umbrella group. Several meetings were held and a lot of hard work was put into the foundation of the Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland. All members of the 4 founding groups were notified and the initial take up on membership was just under 300. Full membership continues to be open to Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists. Associate membership is open to Libraries, Colleges etc. as well as other professionals and parents who are interested in learning more about Sensory Integration. |
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| A committee was formed and groups undertook specific tasks. Course packages were prepared by the Education group, which was a mammoth piece of work. The original Introductory Day course, the Foundation Theory and Intervention course and the Clinical Observation course continue to be the backbone for the current course schedule. |
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| The Network is delighted to use the knowledge base and expertise of practicing therapists/lecturers from the United States of America, who regularly assist the UK and Irish based therapists/lecturers in delivering the courses. The Sensory Integration Network currently collaborates with the group in the USA, in running a recognised, accredited, and comprehensive programme in Sensory Integration, which links with the Western Psychological Services and the University of Southern California. Since 2000, the Network has links with a University, where the four modular courses are registered and participants can receive credit on completion of course work. The Modular courses are open Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists and are not currently open to those outside these three professions. The Modular courses carry Masters Points, which have been recognised by other Universities (APL) |
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| However, some of the allied courses and the Introductory Day are open to all who are interested in learning more of the theory and practical application of SI at a local level. The Network is delighted to host other relevant courses and have welcomed many eminent local and international speakers to share their knowledge with us. They are recognised as experts in the field of SI and have links with Higher Education establishments. These courses are a valuable addition to the ever-increasing knowledge base of the therapists and are of great benefit to them in their daily practice. |
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| The Editorial group compiles the Newsletter, SensorNet regularly during the year. The content includes up to date information on courses as well as providing articles relevant to Sensory Integration theory and treatment. The aim of the Editorial group is that in the near future this newsletter will be upgrade to Journal status. |
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| The Editorial group produced the 'Sensory Integration Information Booklet - a resource for parents and therapists' which was published in 2003 and continues to be a valuable resource. This booklet is now available for purchase through the website and postal address. |
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