Musicalfurnishings.com

The rumba table, a simple modular design which each individula module providing a different percussion sound. 
This would be ideal for small groups of people to use in a sensory environment, encouraging relaxation and development of social skills.
I believe the use of this product with a trained music therapist would provide great benefits for the users and caregivers alike.

'Music therapy Wiki'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_therapy#United_Kingdom

'Addicted to music therapy'

(Image Source)

Source Article

A percussion instrument designed by the drummer from 'Jane's addiction' designed to be able to be used by anybody, but specifically for use by those with limited dexterity and little ability to grip traditional instuments.

Essentially a bag of marbles with a velcro strap, used to make sounds but would also provide a tactile sensation with the marbles rolling and rubbing against the users hand.

'Caring for someone with Dementia'

A guide provided by the NHS for caring for elderly people who suffer from dementia, covers the introduction of a routine and the importance of encouraging and engaging them mentally and giving them a feeling of self worth.

The guide also advises trying to create a relaxed environment and helping them to engage in activities which they used to enjoy. Another key point is that the introduction of a pet an have a strong positive impact on the person being cared for, however things should also be kept simple in order to minimise confusion. For example conversations should be kept to a maximum of a few people to allow the person being cared for to keep up with the conversation.

SourceArticle

'NHS Advice for caring for SEN children'

Advice document provided by the NHS primarily for parents of children with S.E.N. encourages the inclusion of children within every day activities and family activities to help them learn.

Alongside this it is also suggested that games and playful activities will also benefit the child in that it will enable them to develop good interpersonal relationships and social skills.


The article also highlights the point that children with S.E.N. are often subject to a modified of different curriculum. This could open further markets for sensory system if it holds the ability to promote interaction between ALL children within a class or activity.

Source 

'Experimental Percussion'

Full Article

Percussion instrusments are expressive, tactile and stimulating instruments which can help children learn, the article (linked above) looks at a specific example within a school with children using instruments to mimic or represent the sounds created by animals.

The idea of percussion could be useful if the instrument is disguised within a sensory system, potentially including a reaction between the tactile input and a light/sound output.

'Percussion Therapy instruments'