McMillen Health announced Monday it has received funding to continue the Varied Abilities Days program for the next two school years.
The $50,000 grant comes from AWS Foundation, a continued supporter of McMillen. The announcement comes after McMillen debuted a new “sensory decompression” room in its building.
McMillen spokesperson Sabrina Straessle said the space is filled with soothing colors and sounds.
“If we have a student that’s just way too overwhelmed, this is an escape for them to help them feel more comfortable,” she said.
The room is kept mostly dark, lit by soft yellow fairy lights with a fake night sky full of stars on the ceiling. Inside, kids can find comfortable seating, a weighted blanket and noise-canceling headphones, among other sensory items.
McMillen anticipates reaching approximately 1,000 students per school year with this grant.
Varied Abilities Days have programming about clothing care, dental hygiene and healthy relationships, among other things for children and adults with disabilities.