East Allen County Schools Students Gain Workforce Experience at Sensory Fun & Playroom
By Christiane Jackson-Rogers
A growing partnership between East Allen County Schools (EACS) and Sensory Awareness Education & Outreach, Inc., DBA Sensory Fun & Playroom, is opening new doors for high school students with intellectual disabilities. Through this collaboration, students attend job skills sessions at the Sensory Fun & Playroom, located in Georgetown Square, Fort Wayne, where they learn vocational, social, and sensory-regulation skills in a supportive environment.
The Sensory Fun & Playroom is the only walk-in, full-access sensory gym and playroom in Northeast Indiana. Under the leadership of Christiane Jackson-Rogers, Founder and Executive Director, the organization provides an inclusive, therapeutic space designed to meet the needs of children and teens with disabilities.
Jackson-Rogers brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and disability-focused advocacy. Her commitment to this work is rooted in both personal and community experience, recognizing the need for sensory-informed spaces and services for families in Fort Wayne.
Through EACS’s ongoing partnership with Sensory Fun & Playroom, students participate in structured, hands-on training that includes:
•Task sequencing, organization, and responsibility
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Vocational tasks adapted to student strengths
• Social-emotional skill building
• Sensory supports that help maintain focus and regulation
“Our space gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace with the sensory tools they need to succeed,” said Jackson-Rogers. “This isn’t just about job skills—it’s about
helping students build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging in their community.”
East Allen County Schools staff note that community-based experiences like these play a crucial role in preparing students for future employment and adult life. By practicing real tasks in a sensory-friendly setting, students gain practical readiness that complements classroom instruction.
Sensory Fun & Playroom welcomes partnerships with local businesses and organizations interested in supporting youth with disabilities through job shadowing, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, or work-based learning experiences.
“Every student has strengths to contribute,” Jackson-Rogers added. “Together with EACS and our community partners, we are building pathways to inclusion and opportunity.”
About Sensory Awareness Education & Outreach, Inc. / Sensory Fun & Playroom Sensory Awareness Education & Outreach, Inc. does business as Sensory Fun & Playroom, a full-access sensory gym in Georgetown Square, Fort Wayne. The organization’s mission is to provide a safe, stimulating, therapeutic, and fun environment for children and teens with disabilities and to offer community education on sensory needs.
About East Allen County Schools (EACS) EACS is a public school district serving students in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, dedicated to providing inclusive education and transition services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.