Our Mission
To create specialized learning environments that support the sensory, social, and academic needs of neuro-diverse individuals; to provide exceptional support for educators and staff; and to promote practices that can be mirrored in other educational settings.
Our Vision
To offer an alternative to traditional education by reducing the impact of sensory and social barriers, teaching through students’ strongest learning modalities, and increasing access to arts-infused interventions—empowering students for sustained success as engaged contributors in their local and global communities.
Learning Environment
Our academy provides a setting in which environmental stimuli are carefully selected to establish the least restrictive environment for students. The following three categories of sensory integration practices facilitate greater opportunity for engagement on behalf of all students.
Furniture
Strategic Selection of Furniture
In addition to traditional furniture, classrooms and other learning spaces will be furnished with alternative seating such as bean bag chairs, sitting discs, therapy anti-skid balls, lap desks, and standing desks where appropriate. Quiet spaces such as alcoves with 3 sides, a top/ roof, headphones, books, positive images, and therapeutic tools will be available in classrooms.
Climate
Design plans for classrooms and the academy include
Natural lighting
Access to natural spaces (including views of green spaces)
Exposure to sunlight
Temperature control options
Established daily routines
Designated sensory breaks
Signal transitions in advance
Transition signals designed to avoid unnecessary stimulation
Tools
Calming bubble lamps, mirrors, squeeze, texture, and fidget objects, weighted objects such as blankets and lap pads, and fiber optic objects will be available to students by choice to aid in the development of self-regulation skills.
Communication tools (including speech to text software), social decision-making games (such as Hidden Rules with Friends), and nonverbal cue cards will be available to enhance academic instruction and expression as well as social skills.
