B.E.S.T. Academy Creates Sensory Bags for First Responders

Staff at B.E.S.T. Academy started the school year by giving back to their community, using time during staff orientation to create sensory bags for local emergency service providers.

The bags were designed to give first responders tools to support individuals with autism and other special needs. These tools can help during emergency situations. Staff worked together to select and assemble items that can help reduce stress and provide comfort. The items can also support communication when someone feels overwhelmed.

What Was Included in the Sensory Bags

Each bag included a variety of sensory and communication tools, including fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, communication boards, emotion charts, chewable sensory items, and gum.

School Director Melissa Dirzius said the team wanted to create a practical resource for local first responders. The goal was to help individuals with different sensory and communication needs receive appropriate care during emergencies.

“Our hope with the bags is that it provides our local community helpers with another tool to support and interact with individuals with special needs,” said Dirzius. “The bags have resources that make the ability to communicate and connect during a challenging time easier. The staff were excited to be able to share some of our favorite sensory and coping tools and hope it helps individuals regulate when there is an emergency or crisis.”

Extending Support Into the Community

Once assembled, the sensory bags were delivered to local emergency service providers for use in the community. The project gave B.E.S.T. Academy staff an opportunity to begin the school year working together while extending the school’s support beyond the classroom and into the community it serves.

Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

With small class sizes and individualized instruction, B.E.S.T. Academy supports students’ academic, social, and behavioral growth. The school’s commitment to helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond extends to efforts like the sensory bag project, which helps build greater understanding and support for individuals with special needs throughout the community.