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.

Time Flies When You Are....

At Kaufman Children's Center.

We were able to work with Diane Nancarrow this past week for a 4 day intensive therapy in speech. And let me just say....she came highly recommended from one of my apraxia besties (who spent a month there last spring working exclusively with Diane and the OT staff).

Diane N. lived up to all of the expectations I had and then some.

Their speech sessions flew and before I knew it, Luke was working for at least an hour at a time.  Both she and Nancy were impressed with the sounds Luke has mastered and his articulation. He began the week with 3 to 4 words in a "phrase" or "sentence" and by mid week had moved to 5, 6, and 7 words per "sentence"...with multi syllable words. (He even had a 9 word question outside of speech that I shared with all my friends on Instagram and Facebook).

Having the ability to see what Diane N. and Luke were doing (from behind the glass) really does make a difference. The insight that window provides is invaluable as to what I will be able to bring back, share with our team, as well as the carryover that we can apply in our everyday lives.

Luke was able to see some of our favorite occupational therapists.....Chris, Amy and Jason daily. He worked with them in the KCC's new sensory gym and loved every single second.

I went in with questions and needed some real solutions for things that most of you reading would never even understand, nor would I attempt to explain it to you....but they listened.

They heard me and offered real solutions that we began immediately.
But what is even better, is that the strategies worked.

For the first time ever, my child has brushed his teeth without a fight and has been in bed, sleeping by 8:15 at the latest.

Luke working with Diane.  He LOVED her waiter game.

More work and a little bit of play....with Perfection.  As he practiced phrases, multisyllable words, etc. he earned pieces to add to the Perfection game....when they were all filled, they set the timer off and watched them pop up.

Luke, Brownie and Diane

May I please have some watermelon after we eat?
9 word sentence!!!
So naturally we ran to the nearest grocery store and
picked out the biggest slice of watermelon we could find.

Luke and Chris in OT

Luke and Amy

I think this little hideaway was his favorite addition to the OT room.

Jason, Brownie and Luke

Chris made this binder with Luke's Bedtime Schedule inside

Big stuff.