Sensory Arm Roller

The Sensory Arm Roller device provides controlled sensory pressure / compression input to the user's arms and hands. It is comprised of a wooden frame with foam rollers that are secured with bungee cords that have been graded for proper tension.

Many children with sensory processing difficulties may require additional tactile and deep pressure (proprioceptive) input to meet their sensory needs in order to effectively engage in daily living tasks including academics, self-care, and play. This is one of many solutions!

Estimated Build Time: 4 hours total

Tools:

1. Jigsaw
2. Drill
3. 3/8" drill bit
4. 7/8" spade bit
5. Utility knife or PVC pipe cutter

Materials with Cut Measurements:

1. Four PVC Pipes of ½” width (require two at 11” length and another two at 8 ½” length)
2. Four Foam Pipe Insulations of 2 ½” depth, ¾” wall thickness, and 9 ½” length
3. Two Bungee Cords at 5/16” depth and 16” length
4. ¾” Plywood - 1 @ 12” x 14” Base - 2 @ 10 ½” X 7 “ Sides
5. Six Wood Screws of 2" length

Carefully read the instructions and ensure that you have all the required tools, materials, and correct measurements before you start building the device. Always wear protective gear when working with tools.

Cut all materials listed above to size if not already done.

Drill two 3/8” holes straight through the plywood wall panels on the upper half, as shown in the diagram. Repeat for second wall panel.

Drill two 7/8” holes, only ½” deep, using a flat bottom drill bit for the lower half of the plywood wall panel, as shown in the diagram. Repeat for second wall panel.

OPTIONAL: Round the top corners of wall panels at this time, if desired.

Sand and smooth all surfaces and edges of plywood and PVC pipes.

Connect both sides with the 11” PVC pipe by inserting into their designated drilled holes. Place the combined piece on top of the plywood base and center it. Create reference marks where the wall panels land on the base.

Use the wall panel to center and mark both ends where the wall meets the base. Place both wall panels to the side for a later step in this build. On the base platform, connect the two centered dots with a straight pencil line to indicate where the wall panel drilling will be. Repeat for other side.

Pre-drill 3 holes, at 1/8” diameter, completely through the base. One will be in the center of the pencil line and then another two approximately 1” from each ends of the edge.

While holding a side panel in place, pre-drill with a 1/8” bit from the base and into the side panel using the length of a screw. Repeat for the other side using the second wall panel.

Slide a foam pipe insulation on the two 11” pieces of PVC and then attaching the sides to the base with six of the 2” screws in each pre-drilled holes.

Knot one end of the bungee cord and slide the free end through one of the upper 3/8” holes and run it through the hole on the opposite side. Stretch the bungee cord to your desired tension and tie a knot to keep it in place. Repeat for second set.

Your device is ready to use. If this interests you, give us a favorite, let us know if you made it, and drop a comment or any questions. Thanks for building with us!

DISCLAIMER: The Center for Discovery, Inc. (TCFD) works with Instructables to make the following information available for informational purposes only. TCFD, its agents, successors and / or assigns make no express or implied warranty of fitness or merchantability for any particular purpose for the items depicted. The reader should understand that the construction of this item is intended for use by an individual with cognitive or physical impairments (end user). This may pose a higher risk of injury to the end user. TCFD advises there is also a risk of injury to the individual constructing the device. The reader agrees to undertake the appropriate steps to lessen or eliminate risks of injury occasioned by the construction or use of the items depicted. Any and all losses, injuries or damages incurred by or resulting from the use of the information in this publication are the sole responsibility of the reader and end user, all of whom voluntarily, expressly and completely release, forever discharge, and agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless TCFD, its agents, successors and / or assigns, from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with the use of the information contained in this publication.