If you look into a Moderate/Severe Disabilities or MSD room, you may notice that it is not set up “traditionally.” Teachers of the department are conducting an occupational experiment to promote a student’s basic needs, by setting up stations for particular issues. There are trampolines, yoga balls, and wobble boards for the students to interact with when needed. Mrs. Blackburn a MSD teacher prefers this arrangement compared to the last. “By having different tables and small groups, I am able to pull kids who need the most help and work on them one on one if they are having trouble without distracting the rest of the class.”

In addition to teachers helping students one-on-one, the students have the option to stand up on wobble boards if they are sleepy, work in small groups to get assistance from their peers, and the students can play with different hands on activities if they are feeling antsy. The equipment was donated to the high school from different therapist offices and elementary schools. If the experiment goes well, the MSD department will look into expanding this idea to other classrooms.