Project STILL (Sensory Trial Intervention Lending Library)

On December 20th, 2007 Metro West Kids Learning Center (MWKLC) was awarded a $17,288 Family Services Grant from Autism Speaks.  The funding will be used to support the development of Project STILL (Sensory Trial Intervention Lending Library).

The mission of Project STILL is to provide families in the Des Moines area autism community access to a variety of sensory therapy materials for trial in the home, school, and through Metro West Kids Learning Center programming at no cost. 

Long range planning involves the addition of an on-staff occupational therapist to provide services to individuals, participants in Metro West social language groups and preschool, and families that want to develop an individualized program for their home.  Providing these innovative options for parents will allow MWKLC not only the opportunity to serve more of the local autism community, but to serve portions of it that might not otherwise have access to occupational therapy.  

A child can benefit from sensory intervention in a variety of ways including having an increased ability to pay attention and shut out distractions, decreased fear and anxiety, and a decreased need to self stimulate all of which will lead to an increase in the quality of life for an affected individual. 

In addition to the direct personal gain from the use of equipment and materials, families will benefit from the opportunity to trial interventions without putting additional strain on family financial resources.

Metro West Director, Toni Merfeld, developed the Project STILL concept.  Tracy Hoekstra, a Metro West parent, wrote the grant application.

Project STILL Update, May 31, 2008

Project STILL goals call for the development of written library processes including material checkout, damage/failure to return policy, and instruction cards, as well as the purchase of 50% of Phase I goods.  As of May 31, 2008 each of these goals has been achieved.

Each item has been assigned a barcode number using the computer program CheckNCheck OUT PRO. Each client and staff member of Metro West Learning Center has been assigned a barcode number. Non-clients wishing to check out materials will be assigned a permanent code upon initial check out. When a person wishes to borrow an item they will bring it to the office assistant for check out. The software automatically assigns a return date two weeks in advance. Borrowers will be required to leave a credit card on file for items valued at $50.00 or more. Failure to return an item, or return damaged materials, will result in the cost of the item will be charged to the credit card on file.

In addition, instruction cards will be available for each item.   Metro West continues to advertise for an Occupational Therapist to consult with parents on the materials in the sensory library.