Sensory Room

What started as a request for a $1,000 teacher grant submitted by Marfa Elementary Special Education teacher Rosie Martinez turned into a much larger project for MEF. Now, less than a year later a fully functional Sensory Room is available to any student who is feeling overwhelmed in the classroom or needs help calming down in emotionally challenging situations.

From Ms. Martinez's initial grant request: "Sensory rooms can help teach children with autism and other behavioral challenges to regulate their bodies in a way that allows them to achieve success in the classroom. For example, using a sensory "snack" of vestibular movement (linear or rotary swinging) can help students achieve a calming sensory effect. Improved focus and information processing can make a significant impact on their ability not only to learn, but in how they engage with their teachers and peers. And, for children who are non-verbal and also struggling with behavioral challenges, being able to sign that they need access to this type of stimulation is an important step toward learning to advocate for themselves in the classroom."

We applaud the Marfa ISD Special Education teachers and aids who advocate for the needs of their students. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Still Water Foundation.