Through grants and private donations, the Special Education Foundation is able to provide funding (where tax dollars stop) for teacher's innovative classroom projects. One recipient of a Classroom Innovation Grant was Daniele Cerone-Griffin, Speech-Language Pathologist / Augmentative Communication Facilitator in the Special School District of Saint Louis County.

Funds provided by the grant allowed Daniele to purchase portable communication devices, power chargers, protective device cases, among other items that connect families between school and home.

Parent surveys, impact statements, and feedback have been provided by the participating families to evaluate the items used by the students. Here are some of the responses as a result:

• Families have expressed excitement and gratitude related to the opportunities for the communication training and home use of communication devices
• Reported increases in the follow-through related to using the communication devices in multiple environments, which target individualized education plan (IEP) goals
• An increase in families utilizing assistive technologies in the home and in community-based environments to facilitate communication

Overall, families and educational teams have seen an increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of student communication skills. These results would not be possible without your contributions!

SEF is beyond grateful for the support we receive in order to help students with disabilities served by the Special School District of St. Louis County! Learn how you can help to make a difference in the lives of students.