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Only $1,810.71 Needed

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Project Goal

The goal of this project is to increase student communication, increased shared play while being included in a sensory sensitive environment.  

How Project Benefits Students

The students in the three Access Units at Chiaramonte Elementary School would benefit greatly from direct instruction in shared play and social communication skills while being comfortable in a sensory friendly environment. Research shows that students with Autism and many other low incidence disabilities benefit greatly from sensory friendly environments that encourage and directly instruct social communication through play and shared enjoyment. Many take for granted that our typical neurologically developing students pickup on social cues naturally and learn to play with others by simply watching. Our students with disabilities need this intense direct instruction in order to have those same enriching social situations and experiences with their peers. This can be best supported when students feel comfortable in the environment; meaning they have access to sensory friendly toys, environments and sensory coping tools. The goal of this grant would be to foster all of the needs by implementing shared direct instruction of play while allowing for the needs of all to be supported. When we meet our students where they are at, while giving them ways to communicate with their environment and peers in a positive manner: we build strong and happy students who can carry these skills through life.

I should note, that I am teacher of students with special needs for over 14 years and moved this school year from Ohio to teach for Hillsborough County. I have used this social and sensory friendly support in my previous classrooms and have seen great success and outcomes.  

Expected Outcome(s)

The expected outcomes;
-more typical peer play opportunities which will enrich the social communication skills of our students
-increased social skills to better engage in play both at school and generalized in their community and home lives
-increased social awareness of neurologically typical students of social and communication differences
-a more sensory friendly and conducive environment for all students and all students needs 

Detailed Cost Summary

As shown above, funds would be used and distributed between toys/adapted toys that will be used to support shared and reciprocal social communication and play. The items above like the bubble tube, sensory bands, rocking chair, sound machine and weighted blanket will be used for sensory needs as the toys and social communication skills are introduced. These will be used both in the sensory room as well as in the classroom. Treasure box items will be used to reinforce communication and appropriate social interactions. Other materials will be used like velcro and laminate pouches for visuals and adapations to toys and games.  

Items