REQUESTED BY: Jessica Elder, K-2, Speech-Language Pathologist at Wilkins STEAM Academy

BENEFITS: Wilkins Autistic Support Teachers and their classes

BACKGROUND: Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy is the Autistic Support “hub” for Woodland Hills School District. We service, care for, and teach children with Autism who have very high sensory, academic, and communication needs. While Wilkins does have a “sensory” room in our building, it is currently lacking all of the necessary components to truly help our students use it to its fullest potential. This dream would allow Wilkins Autistic Support teachers to have access to more materials that would help their students become more emotionally and physically regulated. These items could be used to help create a more calming environment within both the “sensory” room and the Autistic Support classrooms. When these students are able to utilize these items to calm their bodies and minds, they will become better learners. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have experienced how important emotional regulation is in students with Autism, and how important it is to attend to these sensory needs to allow students to succeed in the classroom and community.

ITEMS REQUESTED: Weighted vests, weighted wrist bands, noise cancelling headphones, sensory swing, spinny chairs, visual schedules, sensory floor tiles, sensory rocking chair, weighted blankets, sensory chew necklaces, sensory lights, sensory Board, squishy sensory toys, sensory tent

TOTAL REQUESTED: $1,440