Little Minds and Bodies Ready to Learn

Greetings!

My name is Ted, and I am a Special Education Teacher for a school district in rural Maine.

I am a very fortunate educator because I love my job. Each day I have the honor of helping students with a wide range of learning challenges make huge strides on their way to learning. It is incredible to watch these children overcome hurdles – not of their making – as they work toward success. Specific “learning challenges” include students with whom we work who have experienced physical or emotional trauma on the autism spectrum, may have specific learning disabilities, medical complexities, or experience emotional disturbance. There are other situations as well.

Some hurdles neither the students nor I can overcome without a little outside help. The socioeconomic realities of living in an area with limited financial resources largely factor in available student resources. Our learners' parents are wonderful people, and our administrators do incredible things with their budgets. However, there is only so much money to go around.

Equipment is as expensive as it is necessary. I travel throughout a large district with five elementary schools and a special-purpose preschool program. I aim to collect equipment I can use throughout the community for students with unique learning needs. All students benefit from this equipment and are encouraged to explore its use

regardless of whether their learning is deemed “special needs.” These items include sensory integration items and the proper storage to maintain the equipment.

Because every child learns differently, specialized items and equipment can significantly impact a student’s success at school. Years of research and evidence are conclusive in reporting that specialized equipment significantly positively affects student success. Providing this equipment ensures all learners access the tools they need to access an education.

After decades of experience working with these student populations, a common theme has been pervasive: when we invest in the success of our special needs learners, the profound results prove evident. Investments made for sensory-motor equipment will pay off in boundless dividends of student success. We would appreciate it if you could help in any way.

I appreciate your consideration! And please do not hesitate to reach out for more info- I love to talk about this stuff, and I am happy to provide links to more information and learn from others!

Best regards,

Ted