UISD's Department of Special Education has officially opened a new state-of-the-art sensory room for special needs students. The Cherish Center Sensory Room will be shared with the Elias Herrera Middle School Self Contained Unit. One of the district's goals is to have a replica of this modern sensory room at every campus, with the sensory designs included in new school plans.
Just in time for the new school year 2024-25, the beautiful new sensory room with a theme of "under the sea" is fully equipped with furniture and items which have sensory qualities. Laura De Los Santos, Executive Director of Special Education, says the project planning started more than one year ago, and everyone is thrilled to see the final results.
"We're very happy that this project finally came to fruition with the support of everyone from Administrators-in-Charge to Board Member approval to the work of our amazing Facilities and Purchasing Departments," said De Los Santos.
The district's Administrators-in-Charge were joined by Board Members Michelle Molina and Frank Castillo, along with Special Education staff, for a ribbon cutting on August 9.
Board Member Frank Castillo says programs like these are meant to be enjoyed and shared with all students who have special needs.
“Congratulations to our administration, staff, and excellent educators who thought of this wonderful idea to benefit our students,” said Castillo.
“It is our hope and vision that we extend our services and support to all our students, including those attending Elias Herrera Middle School and Matias De Llano Elementary and our community at large.”
Board Member Michelle Molina says the minute you walk through the doors, the room stimulates all your senses.
"From the tiles on the floors to the textiles on the walls, everything has been very well thought out," states Molina. "It takes time; it takes research; it takes a group effort of the entire district to come together to truly understand the needs of our children. As an Autism mom, this touches my heart because this is what I've been advocating for since the beginning."
Associate Superintendent Mike Garza said the district wants all the students with special needs to benefit from such a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
"It's something that is needed for all of our special needs students; we want to make sure we are providing equal access to everybody and that the students that really need to have calming areas to refocus and redirect, that we're able to provide that for them," states Garza.
A sensory room is a therapeutic space which helps special needs students calm and focus themselves, so they can learn and interact with others. It further helps with de-escalating and coping mechanisms.
Some schools are getting creative and opting to provide sensory walls in their current classrooms, until a separate campus sensory room is designated and available for their special needs students. District leaders say they are committed to making that happen.
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