Squeeze Me! - Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center

Objective:  To provide the children of the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center with a sensory input device called the Autism Steam Roller.

Why:

"Sensory Processing Disorder can be described as an inability of the brain to process the information received from all of the senses at the same time and make meaningful and socially appropriate responses to this information. Sensory Processing is critical in regulating one’s activity level, emotional state and state of alertness.

Individuals who demonstrate behaviors like repeated jumping, bumping into walls, pushing into things, and hitting their heads against things can be showing signs of wanting deep pressure from these objects.  In extreme cases children will jump off dressers or other high places to get the pressure through their feet.  Some people who experience restless sleep or insomnia will attempt to get this proprioception and the relaxation brought from it, by piling many blankets on top of themselves or in extreme cases crawl between the mattress and box spring or crawl under beanbag chairs to try to sleep."  - Susan Hoffman. Click here for full article.

In summary, children with sensory processing disorder (which is almost always seen in people with autism) are unable to process tactile, visual, auditory, and other sensory input throughout their day. They seek a way to organize this sensory information that is not always appropriate or safe. Sensory equipment, such as this squeeze machine, help these children organize their sensory systems safely. They also can learn to self regulate and seek out this equipment as needed. Ultimately, this organized sensory input helps a child with sensory processing disorder function successfully during their day.  To see more detail on the product, click here.

Costs:
Hardware:  $529.00
Shipping: $67.00
Total Cost:  $596.95

How:  We need your help!  Financial contributions are always appreciated and 100% of your donation will be applied to this project.  We are also hosting Fundraising events in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and New Orleans in October and November.  These events will be held before Pearl Jam concerts in those respective cities. More details on those events can also be found on our Facebook Events Page.  If you have a Pearl Jam themed item (poster, official bootlegs, stickers etc.) or anything related to the cities of Pittsburgh, Buffalo, or New Orleans that you can contribute to our raffles, please email donations@5Horizons.org.

Progress:

UPDATE:  1/6/14 - The squeeze machine has been delivered!  Perfect timing as it was delivered on the first day of the new semester.  Thanks to all of your generous donations, children for years to come will be able to benefit from this device.  By regulating their sensory system, autistic children are better able to concentrate on learning and communicating.  Here is a testimonial from the classroom's teacher:

"From the lucky teacher of this classroom, thank you from the bottom of our sensory regulated hearts! We are loving this machine! You really can't understand how powerful your donations are. You are helping children with autism understand their world, engage with others, and make extraordinary progress."

Here it is in action!:

UPDATE: 12/28/13 - Thanks to the incredible generosity of Pearl Jam fans on the Lightening Bolt tour we far exceeded our goal for this project.  As of this update, we have ordered the squeeze machine and have almost $2,000 more dollars for our next project which we are currently identifying with the school.  Stay Tuned!

UPDATE:  8/25/13 - After wrapping up the iPad initiative we are now ready to set our sights on this new goal.  Funds raised on here on the site as well as funds from our Pearl Jam fan fundraisers will go towards this project until it is fully funded.  Please consider a donation today by clicking here.