Stephanie Eppert has three children with autism who go to Brookview Elementary.
This year is the Warren Township school's first year with the "life skills" special education program.
Eppert said her son was struggling without equipment at school that helps him calm down and learn so she took matters into her own hands.
Eppert spoke with her parent liaison through a program called About Special Kids. That's how she found out another organization called Answers for Autism had a $3,000 grant to give away.
Eppert took the grant information to the principal at Brookview Elementary and the school applied.
"I knew they were having problems with my son about his behavior and I wanted to do as much as I could to find a solution, so I went in with information about sensory equipment and this grant and told them about it," said Eppert.
Just a few weeks ago, Answers for Autism told Principal Tim Hanson that Brookview would receive the grant.
"It was like a Christmas present. We were very blessed because without this grant we were going to have to pull pennies from everywhere," said Hanson.
"As it's successful in the school they're going to be able to share their story, not only the story of how the sensory equipment works but also the story about what Answers for Autism can do for their school, to help us spread our money throughout Indiana. It'll also spread the need and the knowledge about what sensory equipment can do for children," said Donna Simerly, co-president of Answers for Autism, a volunteer organization.The biggest purchase with the grant was a swing for the special education classroom. It will be used to soothe and calm children when they're angry or frustrated. It can also be used to stimulate or energize children.
The grant also helped the school buy literature about autism and other disabilities for teachers.
Hanson said it's not just for students with autism, but many other children can also benefit from the sensory kits.
Answers for Autism raises funds throughout the year.
Parents can also find help and support through About Special Kids.
