ROLLA – NDAD announced the organization has awarded $7,300 through its Adaptive Recreation Grant to Kalix’s Day Habilitation program in Rolla. The program provides a wide range of skill‒building, sensory, and recreational activities for eligible participants.

With this grant, the Rolla location will replicate the sensory room and quiet‒space model currently in place at Kalix’s Minot program, expanding access to adaptive recreation in the Rolla community. This grant is one of 12 provided through NDAD’s Adaptive Recreation Grant cycle awarding $60,390 to organizations across North Dakota.

“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. “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.”

NDAD’s grant will support the purchase of specialized equipment to create a safe, engaging and inclusive recreational environment that meets diverse sensory, motor and accessibility needs. 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; and noise‒reducing headphones and sensory fidget tools.