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Our school has a few extra rooms since we've lost some teachers.  I have been teaching students with special needs for almost 30 years and many have significant physical needs as well as sensory needs.  Have others set up rooms for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adapted Physical Education and Music Therapy?  If so, what are some good types of equipment you recommend.  Funds are low, but I do have a few students who have low incident funding where we could get equipment especially for them.  Are there any grants out there to help out? 

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Hi Becky: Your question covers a very broad spectrum. Each of these rooms would require a separate list of equipment and you would certainly want to keep in mind the individual/IEP needs and initiatives of the students with special needs that would be using these spaces.  In general though, I think that opportunities for movement through swinging and gross motor equipment would be universal for most of these rooms.  I would also check out the Wiggle Room and Multisensory concepts  as well.  At this time I am not aware of any specific grants, but I have seen several of my favorite teachers submit to get funded through the Pepsi Refresh Program.  Good luck!

Great answer. I have to admit, that I am the hugest fan of Wiggle Rooms or Sensory Motor Room and think this is the most versatile of spaces for you and your school. The spread on pages 2 and 3 of Integrations catalog totals about $7600 dollars. Let me know if you need the equipment list.

 

Another funding source that my teachers use is called Donors Choice. They have had great success. Your PTO may be another option, and in my experience they have always been helpful with projects related to special needs. I see another organization called I Love Schools. I do not know anyone that has used this organization yet they sound terrific. Becky, thanks for recognizing that the space was an opportunity for your kids. Much success to you!

Hi...I am a Mom of an 11 year old Autistic boy and in the past year I have developed my own deep pressure therapeutic product that has one different feature that I feel the deep pressure vests are missing/lacking.  I have been testing it on my son the last 9 months and have had great success, so I want to share it with the world.  I would love to donate my product to you at some point once I get things off the ground.  I am hoping to introduce my product in the next month or so.  My website is www.lovehugger.com  type the address in the address search area not the search box...still working on why it's not showing up when you just search for it.  Good luck with everything!

Thanks for the great info.  I would love to have your product Wendy.  I love your website!  The music is extraordinary!  Who is it and what is the name of the song?  I will be checking out the above sources you have listed also Sue and Celia.  I looked at I Love Schools and need to go back to it to see what is available.  Ican also be reached at specialkidsteacher@comcast.net.  Thanks!

 

The music is by Five For Fighting...called Superman. I use to get teary eyed...ok, I still do just thinking about my son, I use to hear this song when he was little....but the thing is my son is very happy most of the time. I know it can be very difficult to not be able to get out what he needs to say and how all his sensory issues are so difficult for him!!  Can't wait to help these children!  I am having more delays...part of the process but hope to have something within the next few weeks.  I will keep you posted. Thanks

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