The Guild for Human Services, which educates, encourages, and empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities, is pleased to announce that it was awarded a $20,000 grant from The Sudbury Foundation. The funds will be used to improve trauma-informed care and emotional well-being for students with intellectual disabilities when they experience distress by expanding access to sensory regulating materials and create sensory-friendly environments in The Guild School.
The Guild is working to continuously improve its service delivery model to serve students, staff, and families best. Research shows that sensory rooms offer a supportive space that helps manage distress and can lead to benefits including soothing, calming, and regulating mood or energy levels. Each space will be specifically designed to foster a sense of safety and comfort, aiming to increase the amount of time students spend learning alongside their peers.
These enhancements are expected to increase voluntary breaks within The Guild student body, promote self-care and emotional regulation, and encourage the use of more open, friendly, and accessible spaces.
“We are grateful to The Sudbury Foundation for providing this much-needed resource to enhance emotional health support for youth at The Guild School,” said Amy C. Sousa, The Guild’s Chief Executive Officer.