The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant June 13 to executive director Amy Murray, principal Katie Lauter and grants manager Andrea Nelson of The Joseph Sams School.
The $2,000 grant will be applied to the purchase a Rifton Hi/lo Medium Activity Chair. This chair is intended to provide comfortable seating with adjustable support for people with disabilities in the classroom. The chair allows for growth, can be used by multiple users, and is available with various accessories that are easily adjustable to fit the user.
The Rifton Activity Chair can be used for feeding, speech therapy, active learning, and for users with sensory processing challenges. According to Nelson, it is vital for children to have time out of their wheelchairs for alternate positions and weight shifts. The Rifton Activity Chair achieves this goal and also provides opportunities for better inclusion in class activities since it is at the same level as classroom chairs.
JSS is a private nonprofit school dedicated to the education and life skills development of children who are intellectually, physically, or developmentally challenged. It was founded 32 years ago by three mothers who each had a son with Down syndrome. When their attempts to find accessible, full-time early intervention programs for their children left them unfulfilled, they joined their skill sets and knowledge to create a school where children with disabilities could receive a high-quality education, as well as therapeutic services.
Founded in 1984 as a 501(c) 3 organization, the school remains committed to helping children reach their full developmental and academic potential in order to become productive members of their families and communities. JSS is the only fully accredited nonprofit school in the state of Georgia that serves children from ages two through 22 who have diagnosed mild to severe disabilities.
Additionally, JSS is involved in the MOVE (Mobility Opportunity via Education) International program, and is proud to be one of only 30 MOVE model sites worldwide. The MOVE International program provides children with severe physical disabilities the opportunities for acquiring functional sitting, standing, transitioning, and walking skills. This past year, 100 percent of students participating in the MOVE program at JSS demonstrated advances in functional mobility skills. The Rifton Activity Chair will be utilized as part of the MOVE program for our younger students who do not currently have an activity chair that is properly sized.
For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org or contact executive director Rocky Davis at 770-478-8881.
