Students will develop skills through hands-on experiences.  Some activities include, but are not limited to, CPR & First Aid, Lawn Care, Animal Care, and Child Care.  Students are also provided opportunities to connect to their community through agency presentations. Organizations like Texas Workforce, The City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation, and Spring Creek BBQ have presented to our students.

Independent living is a large part of the student’s day at RISE.  Students participate in chores around the facility including but not limited to meal preparation and clean up, washing windows, vacuuming, watering plants, gardening, cleaning mirrors, and sweeping and moping. In addition to hands-on activities we also work to connect students to their community by inviting members in to discuss ways that students can connect.  We have had organizations like The Grand Prairie Public Library, Community for Permanent and Support Housing, and Association for Independent Living in to present to our students.

GPISD’s Fine Arts department partners with RISE staff to develop hands-on lessons for students to participate in.

Sensory Room

The RISE facility includes a sensory room that is a sensory safe space designed to teach self-regulation and calming techniques.  The curriculum and materials are carefully selected to support student engagement and opportunities for learning about their sensory and emotional needs to promote self-regulation.

Equine Assisted Learning

Students visiting RISE have the opportunity to participate in Equine Assisted Learning.  This programming supports student achievement by working with horses.  Students learn to work as a team, gain leadership skills, and confidence.  Students can pet, groom, and lead the horses.  Some students will simply engage in the sensory aspects of working with the animals. A release is required for student and adult participation.

Motor Lab

The Motor lab is designed for promoting movement that supports healthy development of the brain. It includes a multitude of therapeutic swings, a ball pit, rock climbing wall, trampolines, scooters, floor balance beam and various other activities. The materials and curriculum are designed for a full brain workout to improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visual motor skills, bilateral coordination, balance, endurance, strength, body awareness, and range of motion.

Low Ropes

Low Ropes is experiential programming offered through hands-on activities, including low rope and adaptive low rope initiatives through individual and small group discussion focusing on problem solving, mindfulness, role playing, effective communication skills, goal setting, and building trust in themselves and others.

Trykes

Trykes are adapted adult sized bicycles designed for students who need additional support but can be utilized by many students with various needs to participate together with their peers. They help build bilateral coordination skills, endurance, and strength all while promoting leisure and recreation. A custom-designed bike path around the property gives students a safe space to explore and ride.

Students are provided opportunities to learn how to fill their time at home and when out in their community.  Opportunities to learn how to play board games, badminton, giant outdoor games, and trykes all allow for new ways to teach teamwork, waiting your turn, and communication.