Board supports sensory kits effort

SANDUSKY — In March, a social media post by local speech-language pathologist Kayla Obenour calling for donations to help create First Responder Sensory Kits quickly caught our attention. Obenour had previously been successful with a similar initiative in Findlay. Obenour's goal is to provide kits for the Sandusky Police Department, the Perkins Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff's Office for a total of 85 kits. Kits are estimated at $40 each, and the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to provide support by sponsoring 50 kits, a $2,000 donation. The county board is proud of Obenour's efforts and all those who have sponsored a kit or donated their time to make this initiative so successful. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on individuals with varying abilities and first responders. To learn more about Backing the Blue: First Responder Sensory Kits, contact Obenour by emailing k.obenour@outlook.com. For more information on the board, call 419-626-0208 or visit eriecbdd.org. The board is committed to being a respected, valuable and visible member of the Erie County community. Please join us in our mission to inspire, empower and support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Editor's note: A sensory kit is a portable box/bin/bag containing sensory tools and/or toys that can help calm or stimulate an individual's nervous system. "The first responder sensory kits will be specially designed by a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapy team to soothe, calm and help enhance communication for individuals with sensory concerns," Obenour previously told the Register.