These innovative sensory stimulation devices are designed to help users participate in potentially overwhelming environments, such as concerts or events, by transforming sound vibrations into tactile sensations. According to Ángeles Fernández, head of the Social Action department, these backpacks enable individuals with hearing loss or hearing impairments to feel music during events held on the island.
Inspired by therapist Juan Ayres's work on sensory processing in the 1960s and 1970s, these portable backpacks began to gain popularity around the year 2000. Schools, museums, and hospitals developed similar kits to enhance accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
The backpacks delivered in La Palma are specifically designed to overcome auditory barriers. While models exist for general sensory regulation, school use, travel, and clinical/therapeutic settings, these devices connect to the sound desk during concerts, translating the signal into vibrations felt throughout the body. Originally conceived as backpacks, vest-like prototypes now exist that allow vibrations to be felt on the torso and waist, offering an immersive sound experience through touch.
Previous experiences in the entertainment sector in the Canary Islands have demonstrated the effectiveness of these backpacks. Events like Mayumana's show in Tenerife, the Granca Live Fest, and FiestoRon have featured their use. Additionally, the La Laguna City Council collaborated with Funcasor for deaf youth to learn dancing with them, highlighting their educational and recreational potential.
The implementation of these backpacks in the archipelago's cultural agenda, used on varying scales since 2019, presents both benefits and limitations. They promote autonomy, help prevent sensory overload crises, and facilitate inclusion. However, they are not a treatment in themselves and require adaptation to individual needs, with their effectiveness being optimal when complemented by the advice of professionals, educators, or family members.
