Help Autistic students thrive in a Covid Classroom

Hello my name is Kim. I am a special needs (Autism specific) teacher and animal lover. I am trying to raise money for our ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) students to make the unbearable Covid19 school day a bit easier on them.  In these trying Covid times many of the comforts the students are used to having to help them through their day are not allowed. They like soft things, squishy things, fabric and things that remind them of home. The bean bags & blankets among other things that these students use to help them be successful had to be taken out of the rooms because of cleaning for Covid prevention. These students are also not used to sitting still for long periods of time like is now required by the Covid guidelines. These already sensitive students with heightened awareness are really struggling and need soft, squishy comfort items that can be sanitized. They also need adaptive equipment since so much of the school day is also now virtual. These things are not too expensive if you just need one but we need different items for different students needs. We also have several students in need of adaptive equipment like headphones and an adaptive computer mouse. A single adaptive mouse can cost $60 and a Seat can range from $25 to $200 depending on the student's needs. Here are some examples of what I will buy: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a specific type of assistive technology that can benefit people with autism of all ages by promoting independence, expanding communication, and increasing social interactions. Examples include: ·         Screen readers. ·         Magnification applications. ·         Text-to-speech synthesizers. ·         Alternative keyboards. ·         On-screen keyboards. ·         Keyboard filters. ·         Electronic pointing devices. ·         Sip-and-puff systems.  For non verbal students, assistive devices and visual supports. Assistive technologies and visual supports can do more than take the place of speech. They can foster its development. Examples include devices and apps with pictures that your child touches to produce words. On a simpler level, visual supports can include pictures and groups of pictures that your child can use to indicate requests and thoughts. Wiggle Seat for Sensory Kids CanDo Sitting Wedge Active Seat Wobble Cushion for Posture, Back Pain, Stress Relief, Restlessness and Anxiety. Child Size, 10" x 10" Great for classroom use, this multipurpose pad, full of squishy, colorful sparkling gel, is a treat for the eyes, fingers and regulatory system. A therapy dog that never needs to be walked! Just wrap this soft weighted pup around your neck and shoulders to experience calming pressure that helps with self-regulation, attention and concentration. A Figit Computer mouse Thank you for taking the time to consider helping make these children's transition back to public school with Covid19 Rules a little easier on them.