Oct. 21, 2026, 5:12 a.m. ET
Ever have a day when you’re sad or frustrated or have trouble focusing or can’t seem to get going?
Students at the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute have those kinds of days too. But now they have a newly renovated sensory room where they can regulate or calm, refocus or stimulate themselves before returning to a classroom ready to learn. The sensory room equipment includes a swing, a slide with pads that light up, other soothing and energizing lights, a canoe that can give a comforting hug and more to help students.
“I feel it,” student Isabella Griffin-Smith said after climbing in the soft-sided sensory canoe that gave her a gentle squeeze.
Isabella and two other students tried out the equipment after an Oct. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the approximately 300 square-foot-room that will be available to about 200 students at the school, 100 Barber Place.
“The ultimate goal for this sensory regulation space is for students to use the interactive equipment to regulate their bodies and minds and return to their classroom feeling calm, focused and ready to engage in other learning opportunities,” Amanda Richardson, lead occupational therapist at the school, said.
Earlier in 2026: Barber Institute completes programs’ transfer, opens new facility
The renovation was made possible by the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation and the 2025 Ladies Only Luncheon fundraiser, officials said.
“It is an investment in our students,” said Maureen Barber-Carey, executive vice president of the Barber National Institute.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@usatodayco.com.