NDAD has awarded $7,300 through its Adaptive Recreation Grant program to Kalix’s Day Habilitation program in Rolla, North Dakota. The funding will support the creation of a dedicated sensory room and quiet space, helping expand adaptive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities in the Rolla community.

Kalix’s Day Habilitation program provides a wide range of skill-building, sensory, and recreational activities designed to support independence, engagement, and well-being for eligible participants. With support from NDAD, the Rolla location will replicate the successful sensory room and quiet-space model currently in place at Kalix’s Minot program—bringing proven, accessible recreation solutions to more individuals in north-central North Dakota.

This award is part of NDAD’s most recent Adaptive Recreation Grant cycle, which distributed a total of $60,390 to 12 organizations across the state. The grants are designed to help communities create inclusive, welcoming recreational environments that meet the diverse needs of people with disabilities.

Supporting Sensory and Accessibility Needs

Many individuals with low vision and autism experience significant barriers when participating in traditional recreational activities. Sensory processing challenges, visual impairments, and limited access to adaptive equipment can make engagement difficult or overwhelming.

“Many individuals with low vision and autism face significant barriers to participating in traditional recreational activities due to sensory processing challenges, visual impairments, and limited access to appropriate adaptive tools,” said Natasha Desjarlais of Kalix.

To address these challenges, NDAD’s grant will support the purchase of specialized adaptive sensory equipment to create a safe, calming, and engaging environment. Funded items include:

• Tactile sensory panels with high-contrast features
• Lighted fiber optics and LED displays for visual stimulation
• Vibroacoustic chairs or mats that provide calming sensory input
• Large-print, braille, and tactile activity books
• Low-vision-friendly coordination tools, such as contrasting obstacle courses
• Adaptive swings, compression vests, and weighted items
• Noise-reducing headphones and sensory fidget tools

Together, these tools will allow participants to engage in recreational activities that align with their individual sensory preferences and accessibility needs.

Building Inclusive Communities

“Through our Adaptive Recreation Grant program, NDAD is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that promote independence, participation, and overall well-being for people with disabilities,” said DeAnn Burckhard, Marketing Director for NDAD. “By supporting projects like this, we are not only meeting individual needs, but also strengthening communities by helping them offer welcoming, enriching spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Adaptive sensory equipment offers meaningful therapeutic and functional benefits, including improved regulation, increased participation, and greater comfort during activities.

“Adaptive sensory equipment provides meaningful therapeutic and functional benefits for individuals with low vision and autism by supporting diverse sensory needs and improving overall engagement,” said Desjarlais. “We are grateful to NDAD for helping us create an environment that aligns with each individual’s unique sensory preferences and supports their ability to participate fully.”

Through grants like this, NDAD continues to partner with communities across North Dakota to ensure recreation is accessible, inclusive, and enriching for people of all abilities.