URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Cunningham Children’s Home is launching its “Sensory Spaces, Hopeful Faces” to support student wellness and inclusion.
The Cunningham team behind the Gerber Education Program is helping every student feel safe thanks to an increase in sensory support tools and inclusive resources. Flexible seating options, such as wobble stools, and baskets filled with sensory tools like stress balls, pop-its, magic putty, and grippy toys are essential elements to helping students self-regulate and thrive.
“At Cunningham and Gerber, supporting students’ sensory needs is part of who we are,” Ms. Rohn shares. “Every classroom has wobble stools, fidgets or stuffies so each youth can discover what helps them feel comfortable and focused.”
These tools are used to normalize the experience and models healthy coping strategies. Classrooms are also equipped with noise-canceling headphones, compression and weighted vests, and portable white noise machines to help reduce stress and improve focus–especially those sensitive to sensory input. One student with autism finds joy and balance riding Cunningham’s adaptive tricycle.
“He is so confident when he’s riding,” Ms. Rohn said. “It brings him so much joy—and it’s something he never got to experience before.”
With help from Evergreen Roadworks, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000. The campaign is already off to a strong start with a $3,600 contribution from longtime Cunningham supporters Charlie and Jan.
To learn more or make a donation, visit cunninghamhome.org or contact the development office directly.