Building Our NEW Normal

The lack of equitable learning opportunities for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially in underprivileged communities, is an urgent and pressing problem that demands immediate attention. Globally, approximately 1 in 36 people are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, with a staggering 45% of these individuals residing in underprivileged communities. This stark inequality exacerbates challenges related to education attainment, with a staggering 67% of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders in underprivileged communities failing to reach high school graduation. This issue is not merely about access to education; it represents a fundamental injustice where individuals, regardless of their race, identity, or socioeconomic status, are denied the right to learn in environments that cater to their unique needs. The absence of sensory-friendly environments in educational institutions within these communities further compounds the problem. Without an appropriate sensory-friendly curriculum, suitable toys and learning materials, and settings that foster a conducive learning environment, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders face significant obstacles in their educational journey. The consequences of this lack of support are profound and far-reaching. It leads to overstimulation, behavioral challenges, and a decline in academic performance, perpetuating a cycle of educational disparity and hindering personal and societal progress. By addressing this pressing issue and advocating for the implementation of sensory-friendly learning environments in underprivileged communities, we can break down barriers, empower individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential

Our solution involves implementing cost-effective sensory rooms in underprivileged special education classrooms across the US and globally. These sensory rooms are designed not only for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders but also for students dealing with anxiety or depression. The concept of our sensory rooms revolves around four key areas. First, we have a sensory/quiet corner equipped with canopies and bean bags to create a calming and secure space for children. Second, the sensory reading corner offers sensory-friendly books and toys, encouraging sensory exploration and fostering a love for reading. Third, the craft area serves as a creative outlet for students to express themselves through art and craft activities, promoting fine motor skills development and creativity. Finally, the active area is designed to promote physical activity with swings and open space for running, enhancing gross motor skills and overall physical well-being. These sensory rooms utilize simple yet effective design elements to create a supportive environment that caters to the sensory needs of students, helping them regulate emotions, improve focus and attention, and enhance overall learning experiences. The impact of these sensory rooms has been significant, with 98% of children showing improvements in their learning abilities. By providing a conducive learning environment, our solution aims to prepare individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and other challenges to excel academically, break free from the cycle of poverty, and lead fulfilling lives.

Our solution serves individuals in underserved communities where the average household income is $30,000 or lower, particularly focusing on those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, these individuals are underserved in several ways. Public school districts in these communities often lack sufficient funding for special education classrooms, leaving teachers to pay out of pocket for resources they cannot afford. There are limited grants or funding opportunities available, leaving teachers and schools with minimal resources and support to address the needs of students with neurodevelopmental disorders.This lack of resources and support leads to significant challenges for both educators and students. Teachers struggle to provide adequate accommodations and interventions, resulting in students with neurodevelopmental disorders not receiving the necessary assistance to thrive academically and socially. Many of these students do not finish high school, lack essential life skills, and face barriers to employment opportunities. Our solution aims to address these needs by providing sensory rooms in underprivileged special education classrooms. These sensory rooms offer a safe and supportive environment for students with neurodevelopmental disorders to regulate their behaviors, improve focus and attention, and enhance learning experiences. By implementing sensory-friendly strategies and activities, such as those in our sensory rooms, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can have their voices heard, thrive academically, and ultimately lead fulfilling lives

As high school students, we are uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to our target population because we have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by our community. Unlike others, we are directly embedded in the communities we serve, experiencing firsthand the hurdles individuals encounter. For instance, our team lead and several members have personal connections to individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as our best friend Dylan, who struggled to access funding for a sensory room. Witnessing Dylan's challenges inspired us to take action and fundraise for his sensory room, which significantly improved his well-being and progress. Our team's proximity to these communities enables us to understand the nuances and intricacies of their needs. We work closely with teachers, parents, and community members to gather input, ideas, and agendas regarding the design and implementation of sensory rooms. We actively involve teachers in designing their dream sensory rooms, incorporating their insights and wishlist items to ensure the rooms meet the specific needs of their students. Additionally, we engage with parents to understand their perspectives on how these rooms can benefit their children and address their unique challenges. Furthermore, our ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations strengthens our connection to the communities we serve. We are fluent in English and partially fluent in Spanish and Arabic, allowing us to engage with a wide range of community members and understand their perspectives. We strategically choose areas with the highest population density and community engagement to maximize the impact of our solution and ensure it reaches those who need it most. Overall, our team's personal experiences, community connections, and inclusive approach to design and implementation make us well-suited to deliver meaningful solutions that directly address the needs of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders in underprivileged communities

Our rooms have been highly impactful and scalable. We have successfully constructed and implemented seven sensory rooms in various settings, including underprivileged schools, medical clinics, community centers, places of worship, and even a refugee center. Our standardized model of the four-region sensory room, designed with a cost-efficient budget, has proven to be easily replicable with adequate funding. Through these efforts, we have directly served over 10,000 individuals, including children, adults, and families, benefiting from the sensory resources provided by these rooms. Our focus on scalability has allowed us to reach a significant number of beneficiaries, demonstrating the potential for widespread impact across communities and countries. Specifically, our sensory rooms have had a profound impact on the lives of over 400 children, as reported by their teachers and caregivers. These children have not only shown improvements in controlling their behaviors and emotions but have also demonstrated accelerated learning progress. Teachers have observed that students using the sensory rooms process materials faster and perform better on tests, indicating a tangible enhancement in their educational outcomes. Our success in implementing these sensory rooms at various locations underscores the scalability of our solution. By standardizing the design and ensuring cost efficiency, we have created a model that can be easily replicated and scaled to serve a larger population. This scalability is crucial for making a significant and sustainable impact on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and other challenges in underprivileged communities globally

Our nonprofit organization has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders through the provision of sensory rooms. However, to maximize our impact and overcome existing barriers, we recognize the immense value that Solve can bring to our initiative. One of the key barriers we face is the limited financial resources available to scale our impact. While we have been successful in implementing sensory rooms in several underprivileged communities, reaching a broader audience requires additional funding and investment opportunities. Solve's network offers crucial access to these resources, enabling us to expand our reach and make a more significant difference in the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, Solve's expertise and connections in the technology and innovation space are instrumental in facilitating collaborations with technical experts. This collaboration is essential for refining and enhancing our sensory room designs, ensuring they are not only effective but also accessible and sustainable for long-term implementation. This ensures that our initiatives are sustainable and continue to have a positive impact in the long run. Equally important is the need to raise awareness and combat stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders in underprivileged communities. Solve's platform and network offer a powerful avenue to amplify our message, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for inclusive practices that promote acceptance and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Participating in Solve's program offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including tailored capacity workshops, leadership coaching, access to in-kind resources such as software licenses and legal services, and curated networking opportunities with peers and potential partners. These resources are instrumental in refining strategies, expanding impact, and establishing a global network of collaboration to advance our mission. In essence, Solve represents a strategic partnership opportunity aligned with our commitment to driving meaningful and enduring change in the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. By joining forces with Solve, our nonprofit can strengthen its capabilities, access critical resources, and scale our impact to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, irrespective of their background.

The scarcity of public sensory spaces has long marginalized families, leaving them excluded from everyday activities. Additionally, the lack of funding for special education programs has forced teachers to bear the financial burden of providing essential sensory rooms. This disparity inspired my twin sister and me to found the Perception Foundation, the only youth-led nonprofit dedicated to building sensory rooms and providing sensory-enriched environments. Our mission is clear: to create a world where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, can access a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. What sets us apart is our innovative approach to addressing these injustices. We designed a more cost-effective room plan, ensuring that all families and communities could access this crucial resource. By reducing costs by up to 50%, we have made a significant impact on a larger scale, constructing seven sensory rooms and organizing over 15 sensory events. These events cater to both young and old individuals, recognizing that sensory needs extend beyond childhood. While many organizations focus solely on children, we understand that adults with neurodevelopmental disorders also require support and opportunities for sensory enrichment. Our inclusive programming fosters a sense of community and understanding among participants of all ages. Moreover, our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have fundraised over $10,000 and have been invited as keynote speakers, where we shared our innovative approach and inspired others to join us in creating a more inclusive world. With every grant we write, every talk we give, and every room we fund, we are dispelling the norms of injustice and creating a reality where everyone, regardless of their differences, has access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.In conclusion, the Perception Foundation's innovative approach to creating sensory-enriched environments is changing the landscape of neurodiversity support. Through our cost-effective room plans, inclusive programming, and dedication to building a more inclusive world, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we are confident that our work will inspire others to join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive world for all.

Our solution involves implementing cost-effective sensory rooms in underprivileged special education classrooms across the US and globally. These sensory rooms are designed not only for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders but also for students dealing with anxiety or depression. The concept of our sensory rooms revolves around four key areas. First, we have a sensory/quiet corner equipped with canopies and bean bags to create a calming and secure space for children. Second, the sensory reading corner offers sensory-friendly books and toys, encouraging sensory exploration and fostering a love for reading. Third, the craft area serves as a creative outlet for students to express themselves through art and craft activities, promoting fine motor skills development and creativity. Finally, the active area is designed to promote physical activity with swings and open space for running, enhancing gross motor skills and overall physical well-being. These sensory rooms utilize simple yet effective design elements to create a supportive environment that caters to the sensory needs of students, helping them regulate emotions, improve focus and attention, and enhance overall learning experiences. The impact of these sensory rooms has been significant, with 98% of children showing improvements in their learning abilities. By providing a conducive learning environment, our solution aims to prepare individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and other challenges to excel academically, break free from the cycle of poverty, and lead fulfilling lives.

Our goals include:

1. Creating inclusive environments: Ensure that individuals with neurodiversity have access to safe, nurturing, and sensory-enriched environments.
2. Promoting acceptance: Foster a culture of acceptance and understanding for individuals with neurodiversity.
3. Empowering communities: Empower families and communities to support individuals with neurodiversity.
4. Advancing education: Provide educational resources and support for individuals with neurodiversity.

We have measured our progress through: 

1. Number of sensory events organized.

2. Number of sensory rooms constructed in underserved areas.

3. Amount of funds raised for neurodiversity support.

4. Number of individuals supported through their programs.

5. Feedback and testimonials from families and individuals impacted by their work.

The Perception Foundation's core technology is virtual room planning, a game-changer in creating inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with neurodiversity. This innovative approach leverages cutting-edge technology to design sensory rooms that cater to specific needs, regardless of geographical location.

Virtual room planning transcends boundaries, reaching remote or underserved areas. Individuals in these regions benefit from the same level of care and support as those in urban or well-equipped areas. This technology ensures that all individuals have access to safe, nurturing, and sensory-enriched environments.

One key advantage is its ability to tailor environments to unique needs. Through detailed planning and design, the foundation creates spaces that cater to sensory sensitivities, communication styles, and learning preferences. This customization enhances comfort and support, ultimately improving quality of life.

Virtual room planning enables collaboration with experts worldwide. Working with specialists in neurodevelopmental disorders, architecture, and design ensures that sensory rooms are innovative and effective. This collaborative approach fosters a community of learning and knowledge-sharing among professionals.

In addition to its practical benefits, virtual room planning raises awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Showcasing the design and implementation process educates the public about unique needs and promotes acceptance and inclusion.

Overall, our use of virtual room planning represents a transformative approach to supporting individuals with neurodiversity. By harnessing technology, the foundation creates inclusive environments that empower individuals to thrive. As we expand their reach and impact, virtual room planning will continue to play a central role in achieving their mission.

We have a team of 10 working full time and 7 working part time. 

Since 2020, so 4 years. 

The Perception Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members. Our leadership team reflects this commitment, with a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that diversity enriches our work and allows us to better serve our community.

To ensure diversity within our team, we have implemented several strategies. First, we actively recruit individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including neurodiverse individuals, minorities, and those from low-income communities. We also prioritize diversity in our teen volunteers, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Additionally, we provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to all team members, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes workshops that address issues related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We also have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment, and we provide resources and support to team members who may experience such issues.

To minimize barriers to opportunity, we offer flexible volunteer hours and support to accommodate the diverse needs of our team members. We also provide access to resources and support for professional growth and advancement, regardless of background or identity.

Overall, our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe that by fostering diversity and inclusion within our team, we can better achieve our mission of creating a world where everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, can access a safe, nurturing, and sensory-enriched environment.

The Perception Foundation's business model revolves around providing value to individuals with neurodiversity, their families, and communities. Our key customers are schools, medical clinics, community centers, and other organizations that serve individuals with neurodiversity. Our beneficiaries are the individuals with neurodiversity themselves, as well as their families and communities.

We provide a range of products and services to meet the needs of our customers and beneficiaries. These include:

1. Sensory rooms: We design and construct sensory rooms in schools, medical clinics, and community centers to provide individuals with neurodiversity a safe, nurturing, and sensory-enriched environment.

2. Sensory events: We organize sensory events to raise awareness about neurodiversity and provide individuals with neurodiversity and their families an opportunity to connect and engage in sensory activities.

3. Fundraising: We conduct fundraising activities to support our mission of creating inclusive environments for individuals with neurodiversity.

4. Education and resources: We provide educational resources and support to families and communities to help them better understand and support individuals with neurodiversity.

We provide these products and services through a combination of fundraising, grants, and partnerships with schools, medical clinics, and community centers. Our customers and beneficiaries value our products and services because they help create inclusive environments, raise awareness, and provide support for individuals with neurodiversity, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

The Perception Foundation has developed a comprehensive plan for financial sustainability, with a focus on diversifying revenue streams and engaging in activities that align with its mission. At the core of this plan is the foundation's clothing business, which serves as its primary source of income. The clothing business not only generates funds but also raises awareness about neurodiversity and promotes the foundation's mission.

In addition to the clothing business, the Perception Foundation receives grants from organizations such as Let's Choose Love and Youth Innovator. These grants provide crucial funding for the foundation's projects and initiatives, supporting its mission to create inclusive environments for individuals with neurodiversity. The foundation has a track record of successfully securing grants, which demonstrates the effectiveness of its approach to fundraising.

Another key component of the foundation's financial sustainability plan is its partnerships with high schools across the United States. These partnerships involve fundraising clubs run by students, with the proceeds going towards supporting the foundation's initiatives. Not only do these partnerships generate income for the foundation, but they also help raise awareness about neurodiversity among young people.

Overall,our approach to financial sustainability is based on diversifying its revenue streams and engaging in activities that align with its mission. By leveraging its clothing business, grants, and partnerships with high schools, the foundation is able to generate the income needed to support its initiatives and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with neurodiversity.

The foundation's plan for financial sustainability has already shown success, with its clothing business generating significant income and its grants providing crucial funding. Additionally, our partnerships with high schools have proven to be effective in raising funds and raising awareness about neurodiversity. Moving forward, the Perception Foundation will continue to explore new opportunities for funding and revenue generation to ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.