The Happy Sensory Corner in Special Ed Mendability

[14:47] "Unlocking Calm: The Sensory Secrets to Student Success"

In this essential training segment, Claudie Pomares targets the foundational need for students to feel safe and secure, crucial for their success in life and learning.

She explains that the protocol engages key brain functions related to stress response and emotional regulation, primarily focusing on lowering cortisol levels and enhancing dopamine and serotonin production.

Through simple sensory inputs like dim lighting, soothing scents, and calming music, the protocol directly stimulates these brain functions, promoting a calm, ready-to-learn state in students.

This approach not only helps in creating an environment conducive to learning but also supports neurological development and emotional stability.

Episode Highlights


[1:31] "We're All in This Together: Building Strong Student-Teacher Relationships Post-Pandemic" - Chris Sacocco shares insights from his dissertation on the importance of relationships in special education.
[3:31] "The Calling of Education: From Marine to Mentor" - Chris discusses his unique journey from the Marine Corps to special education, emphasizing the transferable skills that enhance teaching effectiveness.
[6:36] "Military Precision Meets Classroom Compassion" - Chris explains how military training principles can be adapted to support special education students.
[10:46] "RESPECT: A Framework for Handling Classroom Challenges" - Chris outlines his RESPECT framework for developing effective student-teacher relationships to prevent and de-escalate conflicts.
[14:47] "Sensory Enrichment: A Neurological Approach to Calm" - Claudie details how environmental factors like scent and sound can drastically improve student behavior and learning outcomes.
[22:19] "Empathy in Action: Success Stories from the Classroom" - A heartwarming account from Chris about the power of empathy in transforming student behavior and engagement.

[29:08] "The Claw" Claudie Pomares' training focuses on using sensory enrichment to support students in regulating their behavior. The key life areas targeted include emotional regulation, focus, and learning engagement. The brain functions involved are the limbic system, responsible for emotional processing, and the sensory integration processes in the cortex. For these areas to support successful learning and interaction, they must efficiently process sensory inputs and regulate emotional responses.

The protocol involves simple, accessible strategies like using scents and tactile stimulation (referred to as "the claw") to trigger positive neural responses. Claudie notes research that demonstrates how scents can rapidly reduce cortisol levels, indicating a decrease in stress and anxiety. 

Episode Highlights

[03:55] Debbie Khor shares her journey into special education, emphasizing a commitment to student success and well-being, "My why is I want them to experience success."

[05:32] Ana advises not to fear trying new techniques for student support, underscoring innovation in addressing behavioral challenges.

[07:08] The transition to Mendability from traditional strategies like Brain Gym is discussed, noting a significant positive impact on student behavior and engagement.

[09:13] Debbie recounts transformative experiences with Mendability, particularly in understanding and mitigating meltdowns, showcasing the program's efficacy.

[19:05] The discussion turns towards building confidence in applying Mendability strategies, highlighting the importance of training and follow-up sessions.

[27:18] Kim and Claudie discuss expanding the reach and understanding of Mendability within educational settings, promoting wider implementation and staff education.

[29:08] "The Claw"

Alexis Seidner is a Special Education Teacher at District of Columbia Public Schools. Claudie introduces the Mendability Minute and a meltdown de-escalation protocol.

[2:50] Alexis emphasizes the reciprocal learning experience with her students, "I learn more from them than they think they learn from me."

[6:20] Discussion on reducing restraints, sharing a novel approach involving a mat to ensure safety without direct restraint.

[8:00] Exploring the sensory overload in autism and how simple environmental changes, like reducing light, can make a big difference.

[9:42] Claudie offers insight into the superior visual system in individuals with autism and how it connects to sensory overload.

[14:42] The introduction of scents as a calming method in the classroom, showcasing a rarely used but effective strategy.

[20:09] Alexis provides a practical example of using a visual schedule to help a student manage frustration and prevent outbursts.

[25:48] An innovative meltdown de-escalation technique is discussed, involving cold towels and a comforting hug, blending sensory and emotional support.

Today's sensory enrichment training targets emotional regulation in students, particularly useful for managing meltdowns. This protocol, combining a brief cold stimulus with the pleasant scent of strawberry, is designed to instantly engage the brain's emotional center (amygdala) and sensory processing systems, fostering a calming response. By leveraging these sensory experiences, the protocol aids in regulating the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus functions, crucial for decision-making, memory, and emotional response modulation.

01:56 - Janelle, special education director at the Duchesne County School District in Utah, shares her accidental yet fulfilling journey into special education, revealing the significant impact of hands-on experience and mentorship in her career.

03:46 - A personal injury offers Janelle a profound empathy and understanding for those with disabilities, enriching her approach as a special education director.


11:39 - Discussing strategies to reduce restraints, Janelle highlights the success of sensory enrichment activities in calming students, showcasing innovative, non-restrictive methods to manage challenging behaviors.

13:25 - Janelle recounts the trial and success of integrating mendability into their program, revealing the learning curve and eventual triumphs in implementing new strategies for special education.

18:12 - Reflecting on the rollout of new programs, Janelle offers valuable advice on the importance of system support and detailed planning for successful implementation, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach.

22:17 - A heartfelt story about a student's journey from a special school to thriving in a less restrictive environment illustrates the transformative power of targeted education programs and the impact on families.

29:07 - Addressing the delicate balance of support and independence, Janelle discusses strategies for gradually fostering autonomy in students, emphasizing the role of educators in enabling self-sufficiency.

33:30 - Claudie Pomares introduces a sensory enrichment technique involving cold and strawberry scent to manage meltdowns, offering a practical tool for educators to calm overwhelmed students effectively.

39:44 - Kim Pomares delves into questions about building motivation and independence in students, prompting Claudia to share insights on sensory processing and the biochemical foundation of motivation, highlighting the methodical and impactful approach of sensory enrichment therapy.

Claudie Pomares provided training on a sensory enrichment protocol designed to help manage students' behavior, particularly focusing on students with autism or learning disabilities who struggle with mental imagery and sensory processing. The key area targeted by this training is the ability to visualize or mentally represent objects or scenarios, which is crucial for cognitive development, learning, and behavior management.




00:05-01:49: Introduction of guests and the focus on reducing the use of restraints in special education.
02:01-05:57: Dr. Carrie Potter Murray shares her background, from starting in journalism to her passion for special education, highlighting her brother's influence and her various roles in the field.
07:01-11:55: Discussion on the importance of understanding student behavior, advocating for children with special needs, and the transition to educational leadership.
12:06-14:30: Insights into Dr. Murray's dissertation on women in educational leadership and the social justice aspect of education.
16:04-17:13: Strategies for reducing the use of restraints by understanding and anticipating student behavior trends.
24:12-31:24: Dr. Murray recounts transforming the culture around restraints at Holy Family Institute, emphasizing better support strategies and the power of reflective practice.
36:22-44:34: Claudie Pomares presents a sensory enrichment protocol as a tool for teachers, with a practical demonstration involving a sock and crayons to help manage student behavior through sensory activities.

Today's sensory enrichment protocol employs simple, yet profoundly impactful sensory experiences to naturally elevate serotonin levels, thus promoting a calmer, more receptive state of mind conducive to learning and interaction.

This innovative approach utilizes everyday elements like music and tactile stimuli (e.g., varying temperatures) to create a therapeutic effect. For instance, playing classical music in the classroom can subtly yet effectively increase serotonin release, thereby reducing stress and enhancing focus among students.

Similarly, the use of sensory objects like ice cubes or warm cloths can provide immediate sensory feedback to the brain, commanding attention and fostering a state of neurological calmness.

By stimulating these brain functions through non-invasive, sensory-based interventions, these Sensory Enrichment protocols not only supports the immediate needs of emotional and behavioral regulation but also sets the stage for long-term educational success. Students are better equipped to engage with their environment, absorb new information, and build meaningful social connections, all of which are essential for thriving in both academic and personal spheres.

Diana Fannon, the Director of Special Education at Culver City Unified School District, shares her inspirational journey from a diverse career background into the heart of special education, driven by her personal experiences with epilepsy.



[00:22] Diana Fannon's Background and Inspiration:

Shared her diverse career background and how personal experiences with epilepsy inspired her to pursue a career in special education.


[04:00] Challenges in Special Education:

Discussed the overarching challenge of staffing and the importance of representation in the classroom for students with disabilities.


[07:28] Approach to Inclusion:

Talked about her district's mission to move towards more inclusive practices and the strategies employed to achieve this goal.


[10:49] Implementation Strategies:

Described the shift towards viewing special education as services rather than a location, emphasizing a mindset change among educators.


[12:42] Professional Development and Support:

Highlighted a significant professional development event focused on inclusive practices and the establishment of inclusion facilitator positions.


[21:22] Challenges and Successes with Inclusion:

Reflected on the challenges and achievements in implementing inclusive education, stressing the ongoing nature of this work.


[32:16] Personal Reflections:

Shared a memorable experience with a student that illustrated the critical need for understanding and patience in education.


[35:03] Closing Advice:

Offered advice to educators, emphasizing the importance of keeping the focus on students and their needs.