Group seeks funding for communication board project

Caribou County Courthouse – Whitney Liechti, Megan Ozburn, and Ann Mathews approached the commission about accessing PILT funding to establish a communication board system for students to use on the playgrounds around town and in other locations throughout the county.  The group had discussed the possibility with the shop class at Soda Springs High School, who is willing to put the boards together.  They would like to put them in various places, including the library and other locations.  The boards would provide a method for students with communication difficulties to communicate with other students and each other.  The group was looking to create a “more condensed” version of the communication boards many of their children currently use.  

In addition to the boards, the group is looking at purchasing or arranging for indoor gym equipment, large print books, compression vests, flexible seating options, and magnetic light covers.  The group has been working within the PTO and community to advocate for the needs of students with autism and other communication barriers.  At home, they have discovered an iPad app which functions similarly to the proposed boards.  The app and the printed version are very similar, and up to 5 tablets can be added to the same account. 

The group is seeking to help students in other ways, such as providing tents where students can go if they are overwhelmed, and “wobble boards.”  A wobble board is a balance board that allows kids to balance on it and receive sensory input.  They are alsolooking to put together folders for parents to inform them about various services that they could look into.

The group sought $4,618.32 to cover the resources outlined above.  They have talked to the School District, who doesn’t have the money to budget for the expense right now.  The PTO has recently spent over $1000, but can only spend PTO funds at Thirkill.  The group confirmed to Commissioner McCullough that it was sometimes difficult to secure funbding for these kinds of projects.  

The commissioners asked whether there was a grantwriter available at the school, as there should be fed money available for projects in this area.  The group had not been able to locate anyone yet to write such a grant, though they were open to the possibility.  

The need for a full county grant writer was discussed, as this is just one example of a project initiative that would have a good chance of success in the grant-writing field.

SS is one of the only districts in Idaho that has a Parent Special Needs Advisory Committee, and they would like to expand and continue to support the community as much as possible.  “Our biggest priority right now is to get the comm boards out there,” Whitney Liechti said.

“We’re grateful for you guys taking time to listen.  It’s hard to find people willing to listen to these concerns,” Megan Ozburn added.  “This group started because there are significant needs that our kids had, but they’re all different so we have a lot to do.”  

A discussion was had about the different types of communication boards available.  Since different students will have different needs, the group explained that the district Speech Pathologist will work through what kinds of specific needs will be necessary at each location the boards are placed.  

“I want to applaud them,” County Clerk Jill Stoor said.  “This parent group has been huge, and such a benefit.”  Members of the board voiced agreement.

“Early intervention is key,” Megan Ozburn said.  “We missed some important years where we didn’t know what to look for.  It is life-altering.”

“The more we can have inclusion.  And the earlier they communicate with each other, the better,” Ann Mathews said.

The county passed a motion to approve $4,000 in funds for the project, from PILT funds.  PILT funds are received by the county in exchange for tax dollars not received on government owned land. 

The group and commission were hopeful that the city might be able to help with other aspects of the program in the future, and that it could become a countywide program down the road.

A motion was made by Commissioner Somsen to approve $4,000 from PILT to the Special Education Fund for Soda Springs SD #150 for communication boards, ed tools, and parent folder.