The Sensory Project

The Sensory Project began with a big dream. 

Providing a specialized space for children with sensory needs was at the heart of this dream.

This vision involved creating a place where speech therapists could provide therapy to build speech and language for children; while meeting their unique sensory needs.

With the help and support of many; this big dream is a now a reality.

We used to have to travel to Atlanta or out of state to have something of this quality to meet Luke's sensory needs.

It's absolutely awesome that we have this spectacular place in our own backyard.

Checking out the sensory submarine.

Too many cool items to even begin to list; including a real working fan.

The rainbow "tactile" fish

Parker and Rep. Amy Alexander Carter took a dip in the sensory ball pit.

Leadership Lowndes Group #4 spear headed the financial aspect by fundraising online, spreading awareness of Sensory Integration Disorder and sensory needs in our community; as well as sharing about the amazing work being done through the Pediatric RiteCare Clinic located at 'More Than Words' in little old Valdosta. 

Janis Luke Rowland played a huge role in The Snesory Project. Not only is she the owner of 'More Than Words she is also a practicing speech and language specialist who is extremely well versed and trained on sensory needs. (Pictured here with my son, Luke)

Jan didn't just sit back and watch this happen; she rolled her sleeves up from the beginning. I would be amiss in trying to list the numerous ways that she gave of her time and energy. Just know that her love for these special children is never-ending. For Mrs. Jan; this isn't just a career, it's her life's calling. 

Parker Campaglia partnered The Sensory Project for his Eagle Scout Project. His mother, Anne Conrad also consulted, shopped and shed blood, sweat and tears prepping and assembling the room.

Scottish Rite Masons provide Pediatric RiteCare scholarships for those whose insurance denies coverage or for those without insurance that need speech, language or literacy therapy. We were fortunate enough to be awarded such a scholarship; sometimes attending speech therapy in upwards of four times per week at 'More Than Words'. 

There aren't enough words to express our gratitude to all who were involved in making The Sensory Project happen. This specialized sensory room will truly be a blessing to our family and the hundreds of families that will be positively impacted by it.

The look on their faces say it all.

Members of Leadership Lowndes Class of 2014 are selling The Sensory Project T-shirts for $20 and are still running an online fundraising campaign at http://www.gofundme.com/thesensoryproject
All checks should be made payable to Valley of Albany Scottish Rite and mailed to ‘more than words;’ ATTN: The Sensory Project; 1701 N. Patterson St. Valdosta GA 31602.

Proceeds will be used to purchase additional equipment for the sensory integration room.

Graduation Day....PreK4

Wordless Wednesday for Apraxia Awareness Day

Overcomer

I read this and was fine with it until I got to the last sentence. 

It stung.

My face turned red.

My body hot.

Tears swelled in my eyes.

I think even though my mind knows there isn't a cure, my heart wants a cure. 

I want someone to say it's done. 

Not just residual.

Gone. 

Finished. 

Over.

Apraxia can not be cured; only overcome.

I had to sit and let those words sink in.

I am a firm believer that while Childhood Apraxia of Speech may not be cureable; my child was and is still being healed. 

Luke can speak. 

He can tell us his wants.

His needs.

His thoughts.

His dreams.

His opinions. (And boy, does Luke have some strong opinions....wonder where he gets that from?!?)

He is rarely quiet.

It is everything I had wished, hoped and prayed for. 

And while I am pained by the words incureable. 

I hold on to the truth that I know. 

He is an overcomer. 

He has already overcome so much. 

There is more to come. 

And I will be cheering him on the whole way, louder than anyone else.

Join us in celebrating Luke's voice and all of the other precious children who have been diagnosed with this rare speech disorder known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech. 

May 14th is the 2nd National Apraxia Awareness Day. 

We ask that you wear blue and white to honor our little hero and all of the others working on their "roar".

http://fgr.am/f/A4GdsUmryU

Use the hashtags #apraxiaawareness and #wearblueforluke when posting pics or posts on social media ;)