The goal of my project is to fund sensory-sensitive seating for our school’s Inclusion Office. The Inclusion Office is our school’s “resource room". In addition, our office is utilized by our inclusion staff to file confidential information, store progress-monitoring tools, provide one-on-one check-ins, and facilitate small-group testing and instruction. There are 12 staff members, that utilize the office on a weekly-basis. There are approximately 82 students that are eligible for special education services, who use our office at different moments throughout the week. Our students have learning disabilities that range from autism to intellectual disability (ID).
Although our office is used by various adults and students, it has not been revamped or remodeled to fit our students needs in years. After brainstorming ways to improve our office, I came upon sensory sensitive seating. A few years back, our office had 3 alternative seats but now we only have one. Our students love to sit on this seat while they work on their assignments and tests. Although some may think alternative seats cause a distraction, the structure guarantees comfort to our students with sensory processing disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or simple constant fidgeting. In present day, therapists, educators and service providers use alternative seating options to better meet the needs of their students. I believe that allowing our students alternative seating could increase their focus and comfort when working in our office.
Sitting still does not always work for students. Limiting their mobility or attempting to minimize their repetitive physical movements can obstruct a child's’ learning environment and coping mechanisms. In order to provide a truly Inclusive learning program and environment, a school must prioritize even the smallest changes to ensure their success in meeting each child’s diverse needs.
About my class
The goal of my project is to fund sensory-sensitive seating for our school’s Inclusion Office. The Inclusion Office is our school’s “resource room". In addition, our office is utilized by our inclusion staff to file confidential information, store progress-monitoring tools, provide one-on-one check-ins, and facilitate small-group testing and instruction. There are 12 staff members, that utilize the office on a weekly-basis. There are approximately 82 students that are eligible for special education services, who use our office at different moments throughout the week. Our students have learning disabilities that range from autism to intellectual disability (ID).
Although our office is used by various adults and students, it has not been revamped or remodeled to fit our students needs in years. After brainstorming ways to improve our office, I came upon sensory sensitive seating. A few years back, our office had 3 alternative seats but now we only have one. Our students love to sit on this seat while they work on their assignments and tests. Although some may think alternative seats cause a distraction, the structure guarantees comfort to our students with sensory processing disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or simple constant fidgeting. In present day, therapists, educators and service providers use alternative seating options to better meet the needs of their students. I believe that allowing our students alternative seating could increase their focus and comfort when working in our office.
Sitting still does not always work for students. Limiting their mobility or attempting to minimize their repetitive physical movements can obstruct a child's’ learning environment and coping mechanisms. In order to provide a truly Inclusive learning program and environment, a school must prioritize even the smallest changes to ensure their success in meeting each child’s diverse needs.
Read more