The Leadership Lowndes Class of 2014 has partnered with ‘more than words’ Pediatric Therapy Associates and RiteCare Clinic to hold The Sensory Project, a fundraiser to construct a sensory integration room for children in need of speech therapy.

Members of Leadership Lowndes Class of 2014 are selling The Sensory Project t-shirts for $20 and are running an online fundraising campaign at www.gofundme.com/thesensoryproject . All checks should be made payable to Valley of Albany Scottish Rite and mailed to ‘more than words’; ATTN: The Sensory Project; 1701 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31602. Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment for the sensory integration room.

Sensory integration rooms are designed to stimulate and challenge all of the senses. These rooms help improve the brain's ability to process sensory information and help children function better in their daily activities. Rooms usually include swings, ball pits and objects of different textures.

"I am ecstatic that this group of Leadership Lowndes class members approached 'more than words" with an interest in helping the children we serve," said Jan Rowland, speech therapist and owner of the RiteCare clinic. “One of our occupational therapists suggested a sensory room for our speech therapist. Sensory integration therapy has provided help to children with behavior, learning and motor skills for many years. The treatment is play-based and helps children absorb, process and respond to information in an appropriate manner. We are excited at the prospect of being able to provide a sensory environment that can enhance learning."      

Leadership Lowndes will dedicate the room to ‘more than words’ during its open house event, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at the clinic. The clinic is located at 1701 N. Patterson St. To register for the open house, visit thesensoryproject.eventbrite.com .

‘more than words’ is one of 279 Scottish RiteCare Clinics in the United States. The therapists at ‘more than words’ treat all children, from birth to 21, with special needs that include mild developmental delays and complex medical, neuromuscular, orthopedic, cognitive, congenital, and developmental challenges. Therapists partner with parents to increase their children’s success, independence, and ease of day-to-day life at home, school, and in the community.

For more information, contact Jan Rowland at (229) 244-4545 or visit www.facebook.com/sensoryintegrationroomfundraiser.