Supporting Flexibility, Wellbeing and Inclusivity
Special populations require intentional design solutions. Easterseals MORC is the premier disability services and behavioral health provider for Clinton Township, Michigan. When they needed to redesign their space to add more staff and client service space, they came to NBS for a complete solution, including construction, architectural products, floorcoverings, and furniture. The result blends the brands for Easterseals and MORC and creates a soothing and functional environment for staff, clients and their families.
Easterseals Michigan and MORC merged in 2022 in order to combine their resources and enhance their service offerings. Both organizations have a long history of providing support and services in their respective fields—Easterseals in behavioral health services (including services for clients on the autism spectrum) and MORC in supporting individuals with physical and intellectual or developmental disabilities. After the merger, Easterseals moved into the existing MORC building, taking over an area that had been primarily used for storage. This space was transformed into a client-facing service area for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), with individual offices for one-on-one assessments, flex space for families, and hoteling stations for staff.
NBS had already created ABA space at other Easterseals locations and was able to duplicate and adapt a proven ABA setup for the new site. The space was planned for versatility and efficiency; consultation rooms double as staff offices, staff have access to open collaborative areas as well as shielded areas for privacy or focus, and the waiting area for families features a variety of comfortable seating options. Because many of their clients have sensory sensitivities, the rooms needed to be designed with calming colors and minimal distractions.
The Autism diagnostic space is designed for flexibility, with areas to support one-on-one ABA Therapy, as well as open space for activities and games. Colors are bright but soothing to promote fun, and screens can be moved to enhance patient comfort and privacy. Flexibility was also incorporated in an existing staff training room. New lounge pieces, acoustical screens and personal tables can be re-arranged as needed.
Jeff Camboia, Director of Procurement & Real Estate for Easterseals MORC, says, “Planning and analysis of unused space at our Clinton Township Office afforded us the opportunity to transform this space into a setting that will be effective in providing quality services to the community. The NBS team was instrumental in walking us through this project and achieving our goal.”
The project required interior buildout by NBS Construction Solutions, including constructing nine consultation rooms and reworking HVAC, electrical and fire suppression. New glass doors and sidelights as well as a full glass separation wall were installed. Bands of frosted film were added to all glass for privacy and to reduce stimulation. The new ABA area is a safe and comfortable space for clients and families and a functional work environment for staff. It perfectly blends the branding of both organizations to create a unified whole. By turning underutilized space into a well-designed and flexible client services area, Easterseals MORC has increased their capacity to serve clients and families across the county. With built-in flexibility, they are also better prepared to grow their services in the future.
Learn more about Easterseals MORC : www.easterseals.com/MORC
