LISTEN - Derry-Londonderry mother fundraising for autistic friendly 'sensory room'

by Gráinne Connolly

Ann Marie Coyle has been fundraising for a 'sensory room' at Model Primary School in Derry-Londonderry where her two daughters Alice and Molly attend. 

The Derry mother has taken it upon herself as both of her children are autistic, and the school simply doesn't have it in their budget to equip the room.

Ann Marie has informed Q Radio that the school already has an autism unit "with a great set up", however she feels a 'sensory room' would help to further nurture these children by providing them with a safe environment to focus and learn. 

She has also said it will benefit other children with learning or physical difficulties; as well as helping kids understand each others differences more: 

Below is an example of a sensory room at a school in England, shared by Ann Marie on her personal social media page to give people an idea of what to expect: 

To equip a room with the required 'sensory' objects and furniture, a total of £2000 funding is needed and so far over £500 has been raised through the Just Giving page set up.

To donate, you can go to the link below: 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/modelprimarysensoryroom?utm_id=119

LISTEN - Full Gráinne Connolly interview with Ann Marie Coyle