My students need supplies that allow them to have a calming environment when overstimulated (sensory accessories) and communication devices that allow them to "talk" with others in the community despite being non-verbal.
The most important skill necessary for success in life....communication! My students desperately want to share information with others, but many are non-verbal. Having communication devices as well as sensory materials will give them the opportunity for both interaction with others and opportunities to calm down when frightened or overwhelmed. I am a special education teacher who works with students with Autism as well as students with moderate/severe/profound intellectual disabilities. The students range in age from K-5th grade, but are primarily listed as second graders. Because our community is a high-need/low-income area, supplies such as the ones listed are difficult to acquisition. Your help is greatly appreciated!
My students are overwhelmed with the daily challenges in life that seem so simple for most of us...the ability to dress, eat, socialize, and communicate independently. For these students, each small step toward achieving a new skill must be celebrated. They are a wonderful group of boys and girls who will have to overcome much to have some level of independence into adulthood. My students with autism are desperate to communicate with others, but need the materials to allow them to do so.
I have a two-fold goal in mind during this school year and the next:
1. To build a fully sensory environment to meet the needs of my students with autism who become easily overstimulated.
2. To provide opportunities for all of my students to communicate with others, even those who are non-verbal. In order to achieve these two goals, I need sensory equipment and communication devices.
Your help will make it possible for my students to achieve a higher level of independence by allowing them to tell their teachers/parents/caregivers what they need. This will allow these students to make choices and share those choices with others.
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