MANSFIELD, Pa. – Mansfield University’s Autism Resource Center (ARC) opened this fall and hit the ground running. With the work of Dr. Alison Polly, Courtney Heatley, and students in the special education program, students from surrounding schools have attended activities this fall to further their social interaction and develop fine motor skills.
The ARC’s first activity in September involved sensory centers. Students
were able to navigate through the classroom and participate in centers such as
making stress balls, washing toy cars, painting, making sensory bins, and
do-it-yourself playdoh. The children who attended this event were able to take
their creations home.
To fit the seasonal festivities, October’s activity consisted of pumpkin
decorating and a game day. Over a two-day span in October, a Therapeutic Game
Training was held with presenter Jack Berkenstock of the Bodhana Group.
Educators attended the interactive seminar to develop skills and strategies for
using games with students who have disabilities.
In late November, an indoor sensory carnival took place. This included balloon
basketball and other activities for children to increase their social
interaction, and be exposed to textures, sounds, and sensory. The event was
sponsored by the Mansfield women’s basketball team.
Mansfield students in the exceptionalities program who helped with the fall
activities were Alivia Paeglow, of Albany, New York; Kaleigh Akins, of Waverly,
New York; Jordan Miller, Davidsville; and Sydney Tubbs, of Wellsboro.
The center, located on campus in Retan 205E, will host a series of teacher
development trainings for aspiring and current educators to expand their
knowledge in the fields of inclusive practices, behavior data collection, and
behavior intervention.
Along with the upcoming events, the Autism Resource Center is open for the
public to borrow resources. These include a range of books, assistive
technology, sensory materials, and games for parents and teachers working with
special needs. Parent trainings are also being developed through the center.
Hours of operation for the ARC will be posted in January when classes
resume. If an earlier appointment is needed, contact Polly at apolly@mansfield.edu.
For more information, visit www.alloneforautism.org/newsletter.html.