When the project is complete, it will include an infant classroom, a multipurpose therapy room and a sensory room. The use of a multi-sensory environment in therapeutic and educational settings allows children to benefit from adequate stimulation to excite the brain, improve the organization of the brain and increase functional activity.
“We are excited to see RISE Center evolve and meet the needs of the children in our community. We will be able to serve more children with the addition of a new classroom, provide state-of-the-art therapy in the new sensory room and be creative with additional therapy options in the multipurpose therapy room. The latest research in early intervention, child development and early childhood special education is guiding our decisions about what the children in our community need to reach their maximum potential. Thanks to our generous donors and supporters RISE will positively impact the lives of more children and their families in our community in new and exciting ways,” said Andi Gillen, director of the RISE Center.
The new wing has been made possible by the generosity of a College of Human Environmental Sciences’ graduate, Dana Garmany. The Garmany family has developed an appreciation for RISE’s inclusive early childhood special education program. Garmany and his wife, Amanda, have a special needs grandson, Mason, for whom this addition is named. “The more I learned about RISE, the more I wanted to be involved. Having a special needs grandson made the donation even more rewarding,” said Garmany.