My students need access to swings, a hammock and therapy equipment that will help them safely meet their sensory needs while in the school environment.
Would you be able to concentrate if it felt like you had blaring sounds in your ears, strobe lights flashing in your face, and you felt like you were in a constant free-fall?
Probably not.
Although the school environment contains a normal amount of sensory output, to students with heightened sensitivity, it can be an overwhelming building of sounds, feelings, smells, and sights. Some days we have great days and are able to embrace learning to the best of our abilities. But sometimes, we need help finding our focus. Many of us have sensory needs that cannot be met through traditional classroom tools. We need access to equipment that soothes our senses and provides the vestibular movement we need to be centered, focused, and on track. We are a class of students who love school. We love learning. We love laughing. We love our teachers and our friends. And we would LOVE to be able to have a swing in our room!
My Project
Our school does not have a motor room to help meet our sensory needs, but we do have space in our classroom to hang a detachable swing. With the help of our Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, and Physical Therapist we would like to design activities that make use of the therapy swing. Building these activities into our daily routine would give students a chance to regain control of their senses, and help their brains organize the sensations the environment provides.
The students in this room are becoming young adults.
As children with special needs, it is important to make sure we are giving students the tools they need to be able to function in a school environment, and hopefully eventually in a work environment. Being able to cope with our senses, and understand what activities help us find our focus, are skills that will help us as we grow into productive adults.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Mahne and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.