April is Autism Awareness Month and the United Independent School District strives to not only promote inclusion, acceptance and advocacy, but to foster an exemplary learning environment for our students with special needs. Through uniquely designed spaces such as sensory rooms and walls, students with sensory processing needs can regulate their emotions, behaviors and focus.
United ISD currently has 21 sensory rooms across the district, three of which are state-of-the-art. They are located inside Clark Elementary, Juan Ramirez Middle School and the Cherish Center. The sensory rooms help students with autism develop key skills such as communication, coordination, concentration, focus and motor skill development. Through calming lights, sounds and textures, students can reduce stress and focus on relaxation. Different objects such as balance boards, spinning chairs, texture walls and liquid pads serve to stimulate the student’s senses promoting regulation and cognitive engagement.
Not only do the sensory rooms enhance the learning experience for students, but they also serve as a tool for their teachers. Students who may feel anxious, upset or unfocused can be guided by their teachers into a space that can re-engage them accordingly and redirect them to learning.
“A sensory room is a big deal because our students learn differently than others,” said SLC Teacher Frances Moreno from Ramirez Middle School. “ I’m excited to take them and meet their individual needs. Sometimes they just need a place to regroup their thoughts and continue learning.”
The sensory rooms are considered to be multipurpose rooms. School professionals can conduct different types of therapy needed to meet student developmental and behavioral goals.
Sensory rooms are essential as not only do students with autism benefit from them, but also those with adhd and anxiety. Approximately 7,000 students at UISD participate in the special education program with over 1,000 of them diagnosed with autism.
Executive Director of Special Education Laura de los Santos said the vision to bring sensory rooms to United ISD was born after attending the Fasken Boys & Girls Club sensory room ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Experiencing firsthand how children interacted with the various tools, equipment, and sensory toys was incredibly moving,” said De los Santos. “The joy coupled with a visible sense of calm and comfort on their faces left a lasting impression on me.”
It was a collaborative effort between the special education department, board trustees and administration to bring the innovative concept of sensory rooms to UISD.
“I feel very blessed and grateful that our three District administrators Ms. Rebecca Morales, Mr. Mike Garza, and Ms. Laida Benevides immediately embraced the idea,” said Special Education Executive Director Laura De los Santos. “We were also fortunate to receive the backing of Ms. Michelle Molina, a dedicated UISD Board Member and passionate advocate for therapy and sensory rooms. Her encouragement and support were instrumental in moving this initiative forward.”
But the project could not have been completed without the support of the UISD Purchasing Department. Purchasing Manager Karina Mendoza was a key player in the procurement process for the three state-of-the-art sensory rooms. She also played a major role in designing and securing the funds to bring the spaces to life.
“The Special Education Department shared their expertise, I came in with design ideas and needed to work with the budget,” said Ms. Mendoza.” I presented to fiscal operations and after making some adjustments it was approved. It was important I did my due diligence because this is taxpayers’ money.”
The first fully equipped sensory room in the district was implemented inside the Cherish Center in 2024. It was made possible through the district’s general fund at a cost of nearly $70,000.
The Clark Elementary and Ramirez Middle School sensory rooms were funded by the 2013 bond package at a cost of 62 thousand and $64,600 respectively.
Additionally, UISD Board Secretary, Michelle Molina requested the district add sensory walls.
“We’ve been working on bringing more resources into the special needs classrooms. We’re working really hard at putting sensory walls at the elementary level,” said Mrs. Molina. “It’s been two years in the making, getting the right material and the funding for it.”
Currently, UISD has installed sensory walls at 21 elementary schools as part of phase 1 of the project. Each wall cost the special education department approximately $500. The goal is to implement the walls district-wide.
The introduction of sensory rooms and walls across United ISD campuses reflects the unwavering commitment to providing inclusive and supporting learning environments for all students. United ISD is proud to create spaces where every student is empowered to thrive academically.
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