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.

He Hears Our Prayers....and Answers LOUD and Clear.

God definitely hears our prayers. 

Throughout this journey I have claimed that none of Luke's progress has to do with us and everything to do with God. 

This is an email that I received today from our private speech therapist at More Than Words Pediatric Rite Care Clinic.  We speak briefly before and after sessions, along with scheduled conferences....but she wrote today to specifically tell me how AMAZING he was in speech therapy today.

Wow, what a great session!! He was in great spirits and very focused. I started
by tracking his production of /l/ both in CV (consonant-vowel) and VC syllables using the Speech EZ forms.

He did a terrific job with the CV with just a little vowel distortion. As you might have guessed,
the VC was much more difficult.

It's difficult for him to coordinate the tongue movement from a vowel position back to the /l/ placement, which requires his tongue to touch behind his front teeth.

B/c he was so cooperative today, we were able to do some intensive oral motor awareness work with the mirror and with me modeling the tongue position. He did very well when I cued him to "touch
behind your teeth with your thumb." (This was easier for him to do than touch
with his index finger). I cued him to "press up hard!" so that he could really feel where his tongue was supposed to go. Then, after this, I cued him for tongue placement there. This is coming and I'm going to make a point of starting the session (or trying to) with this exercise until it's easier for him.

He LOVED using the dollhouse. I've found a variety of furniture and little dolls to use
with so he didn't know what to expect. This is very important to engaging him: the element
of the "unknown."

Using the hand cue for /h/, I prompted him to imitate a variety of sentences
including "He goes here." "He has mail." We did a little with the "sh" in "she," too e.g. "She goes here."

Also, continued work on the voiced "th" in the carrier phrase "I see the _______" re: different
toys in the dollhouse.

Overall, a marvelous session.

I was pleased that he tolerated the slimy creatures in the bucket, too. It didn't seem to bother him too much!

Have a great day!

Giving GOD the GLORY and praising JESUS for His healing powers!  Keep those prayers coming.  We feel completely covered in prayer!!!