On behalf of the Autism Speaks Family Services Committee, Intermediate Unit 1 was awarded the Western PA Chapter Grant in the amount of $5,000.
The grant is focused towards school-aged programs providing academic, communication, and sensory and behavioral services to student ages 5–21 diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders. The program is highly structured with an emphasis on behavior modification. It encourages independence and self-sufficiency in the areas of communication, community-based instruction, functional academics, and vocational, leisure, and social skills.
The goal of this project is to enhance an existing IU1 program to create an exemplary model for other IU1 programs and the 25 school districts served by IU1 that maximizes students with autism spectrum disorders ability to learn.
Outcomes include:
- Intermediate Unit 1 will create a multi-sensory environment (MSE) within the IU1 program.
- Students who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and are attending the IU1 program will receive daily auditory, tactile, and visual stimulation in a safe controlled environment that will serve to calm or alert them as needed, and better prepare them to learn.
- Supervisors and teachers from other IU1 programs as well as districts served by IU1 will observe how the room is being used and learn about its benefits to students.
- The educational community in Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties will become aware of the benefits of a multi-sensory environment.
- Autism Speaks will receive recognition as the sponsor of this project.
Intermediate Unit 1 will create a multi-sensory environment for autistic students. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment to improve students’ ability to process sensory information so the child can function better in the classroom.