This amazing piece of equipment is actually a squeeze machine, or as some call it, a hug machine. It provides deep pressure sensory to autistic and special needs students. This machine provides just the right input that can’t be simulated by human interaction. The machine is a safe piece of equipment to help stabilize special needs students. It calms them down to get them refocused to go back to class or finish a task.
The Steamroller will help benefit over 100 children in the elementary school alone. It allows children to work on motor planning skills, body awareness, the sensory input they need to calm their bodies, and shoulder stability as they work their bodies out of the device. It is a great addition to the other therapeutic activities.
We love seeing students, like the one in the picture, benefitting from our 549 Family Foundation Grants in such positive ways!