Trussville Rotary Club Supports Sensory Rooms for Local Schools

New equipment helps students regulate emotions and improve learning outcomes

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:20am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a child sitting on a cushion in a sensory room, surrounded by soft pools of warm color and light, conveying a sense of peace and tranquility.The sensory room at Cahaba Elementary provides a structured, calming environment where students can regulate their emotions and refocus before returning to class.Trussville Today

The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club has provided funding and support for sensory rooms at two local elementary schools, Cahaba Elementary and Magnolia Elementary, to help students with disabilities, communication challenges, and emotional regulation needs. The sensory rooms offer a calming environment where students can take breaks, use specialized equipment, and learn strategies to manage their feelings and return to class ready to learn.

Why it matters

Sensory rooms are an important resource for supporting the academic and social-emotional development of students with a range of needs, including those with autism, ADHD, and other conditions that can make it difficult to focus and regulate emotions in a traditional classroom setting. By investing in these spaces, the Trussville Rotary Club is helping to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for vulnerable students.

The details

The sensory rooms at Cahaba Elementary and Magnolia Elementary were made possible through a Rotary District Grant and additional funding from the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club. Educators report that the rooms provide a structured, calming space where students can use specialized equipment and learn strategies to manage their emotions and return to class ready to learn. Teachers utilize scheduled rotations and individualized 'sensory diets' to help students receive the specific type of movement or input their bodies need.

  • The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club recently visited Cahaba Elementary to see the sensory room equipment in action.
  • The sensory rooms are currently benefiting approximately 50 students at Cahaba Elementary, with additional students at Magnolia Elementary and across Trussville City Schools having access to similar resources.

The players

Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club

A local Rotary club that provided funding and support for the sensory rooms at Cahaba Elementary and Magnolia Elementary.

Cahaba Elementary

An elementary school in Trussville, Alabama that has a new sensory room for students.

Magnolia Elementary

An elementary school in Trussville, Alabama that has a new sensory room for students.

Kayla Richards

Occupational Therapist for Trussville City Schools (TCS).

Erin Deck

TCS Collaborative Specialist.

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What they’re saying

“This is amazing for so many kids who just need that calm-down space. They can come in, regulate, and then go back to class ready to start their day or continue learning.”

— Kayla Richards, Occupational Therapist for Trussville City Schools (TCS)

“Just like adults find ways to manage stress—whether it's reading, exercising, or taking a walk—these students are learning what helps their bodies feel calm and in control. Our goal is to help them understand those feelings and respond in a positive way.”

— Erin Deck, TCS Collaborative Specialist

What’s next

The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club plans to continue supporting the sensory room programs at Cahaba Elementary and Magnolia Elementary, and explore opportunities to expand access to similar resources at other schools in the Trussville City Schools district.

The takeaway

The Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club's investment in sensory rooms demonstrates the power of community partnerships to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with diverse needs. By providing specialized equipment and teaching emotional regulation strategies, these spaces are helping vulnerable students thrive academically and socially.