Sensory Supports

Classroom Sensory Carts

Mobile Classroom Sensory Carts will be made available for instructors to borrow for their classrooms and student use. Access to fidget and sensory tools, environmental supports, and flexible, culturally responsive learning environments has been shown to improve academic performance, engagement, comfort, and belonging, while also reducing stigma and supporting retention among diverse learners (Schoenen et al., 2024; Sarrett, 2018; Braxton et al., 2007; Krajewski & Khoury, 2021).

Counselor Sensory Kits

Counselors will receive a kit with fidgets, textured items, and calming tools designed for use by both counselors and students. These counselor kits align with research that highlights the benefits of in-the-moment sensory regulation in emotionally charged settings (Nickels, 2023), the expressed needs of neurodiverse students for such tools (Sarrett, 2018), and evidence that intentional use of fidgets can enhance focus and participation (Schoenen et al., 2024).