Founded by Cindy Price, a Little Wiggle Room was inspired by her 6 year old autistic son, Liam. Sensory integration is a critical need for Liam's social development and academic success. Cindy discovered that the solutions that included sensory equipment were problematic in that equipment had to be shared among multiple school corporations in one county. Furthermore, there was lack of a designated area, thereby adding challenges for getting students to focus and for providing therapists accessibility. Just as a gymnasium provides not only space but appropriate equipment, a room is needed for sensory integration that allows students to have a needed and timely sensory break with equipment that is designed to facilitate that. Toni Flowers, Assistant Director of Special Services in Johnson County, likens the situation to an adult who needs stress relieve and seeks out a spa. The sensory integration room allows students to achieve the benefit of relieving stress without the bonus of relaxation. Then children can return to their group's social and academic routines.

Cindy and all those who have joined the effort believe that all special education students (and many other students as well) will benefit by a sensory integration room. Cindy states, "The situation (lack of a designated sensory room) is unacceptable--not just for my child but for anyone's child. Any family could face this challenge and I feel an obligation to do what I can. The schools only have funding for so much; and, so, as a concerned parent I want to do all that I can to help. I'm not just standing with my hand out to the state. Nor am I expecting the schools to hand us the money, but I am willing to work to make it happen. If everyone gives a little bit, then, collectively we can make it happen. Often families can't afford to take their children to outside therapists for specialized treatment. They are relying on the schools to give their children what they need. These children are just as capable of learning as their typical peers when the proper adjustments to their needs are met.

As of April 2009, A Little Wiggle Room is already making an impact for one school. Pleasant Grove Elementary School in Greenwood, Indiana has the distinction of being the pilot for the first Wiggle Room. The funds raised over the past year were substantial enough to purchase therapy equipment to make a well functioning sensory room for this school. But this new therapeutic area requires more funding to make it truly complete. A Little Wiggle Room fund is ready to continue the task of raising community awareness and support for this issue.

The Center Grove Education Foundation is supporting this project. To learn more about the CGEF click here