Frequently Asked Questions 

Many special needs individuals have heightened sensitivity to visual, auditory, or tactile stimulation/input. Many also have a need for increased sensory stimulation through movement and tactile experiences. As a result, a sensory room program has been designed to provide a solution to these needs. Each of the sensory rooms has been designed to target a specific need. Sensory needs can be categorized into the following: sensory seeking, sensory over-responsive, sensory discrimination, sensory dyspraxia, and sensory under-responsive. The sensory rooms are designed to be portable, so they can be assembled in any location and then stored between events.

The SPOT’s SPLASH events will be unique in that they are intended for everyone in the community but will also be, specifically, special needs and sensory friendly. Events will have a primary area for the events’ activities, but special consideration will be given to lighting and acoustics to reduce the risk of over stimulation for attendees. In addition, sensory rooms will be offered, whenever possible, that will be separated from the primary area and will be designed to meet a variety of sensory needs.

December 16, 2022: Community Christmas Celebration
February 2023:  Community Valentine’s Dance
April/May 2023: Community Spring Fling
Summer and beyond:  TBD

The SPOT will collaborate with and help promote activities hosted by other special needs organizations in the community through The Spot Family website and our social media outlets.

The process of obtaining a diagnosis can be lengthy and emotional for all involved. Parents and caregivers are
left with many questions and can have trouble finding the answers. The SPOT will offer a chance for parents to connect with one another to facilitate support and information dissemination as well as coordinate to provide speakers for specialized topics; such as preparing for a child’s future, Medicaid application and disability, share patient rights.

The community as a whole is supportive of initiatives that assist special needs families. The number one question is “how to help”. Feelings of fear, inadequacy and lack of education in this area often stop outreach initiatives before they really begin. Providing volunteer training that can be applied throughout the community is imperative to the success of any outreach program. The SPOT will offer training to volunteers as connect the community, whether it's churches, first responders, hospitals, or colleges, to industry leaders in special needs services.

Providing families a place outside of their homes and therapy clinics where individuals can foster friendship and feel “normal” is vital to the overall health and development of the family as a whole. Just as the special needs individual needs time with others, the parent/caregiver needs time too; whether it’s to have a date with a spouse, see a movie, grocery shopping or take a nap. Respite care is one of the most frequent requests of special needs families in our area.

A substantial need that goes unmet in our community is daytime care programs for all ages.  Very young children need daycare/preschool throughout the year, school aged individuals need care and supervision between school sessions and during break periods, and adults need supervised social and employment opportunities throughout the year.  We hope to find partners to help meet this need