Introduction: This project was designed for two elementary aged children in a special education classroom. These
children have severe and profound mental and
physical disabilities that include being non-verbal,
non-ambulatory, low-vision, and cognitively
impaired. The children are developing their
cognitive and perceptive abilities through the use of
cause-and-effect toys and sensory stimuli. Their
teacher requested a sensory environment that will
minimize distractions from the classroom and will
aid them in achieving their educational goals. We
built a tent structure and electronics package to
assist developing manipulation skills, keeping the
child‟s head in a raised position, increasing
perceptive abilities, and allowing the child to make a
preference for which toy he would enjoy most.

Summary of Impact: The classroom teacher reports: “The station provides
an opportunity for students to be in an upright and
seated position; while being engaged in activities
free from distractions. The enclosed station assists in
having students sharpened their sense of hearing; as
well as focus on manipulation within the station
rather than focus on other activities within the
classroom setting.”

To read the full article please visit: http://nsf-pad.bme.uconn.edu/2008/Chapter%206,%20Duke%20University.pdf

DURHAM — Actors of varying ages, trained and amateur, came to the Durham Marriott on Sunday for a chance to be in an independent film to be shot in Durham in May.

The film, “Lost Flight,” is from an original screenplay by Nancy Renaud and Joe Anderson, who will direct the film. Anderson also is president and executive producer of StraightLine Productions of Durham, which will shoot the film in Laurinburg and Durham.

For Adair Tompkins, 13, of Durham, the audition was not her first. She auditioned previously for another film and got a call-back. She also has taken classes at the Durham Arts Council’s Young People’s Performing Company and plans to try out for plays when she attends Riverside High School.

Lee Stem of Durham, who was an extra in “Patch Adams,” said Sunday was his second audition. He had the spare time Sunday and decided to try out. Madison Johnson, 11, came to the tryouts with her grandmother Shirley Ellis, who once in the Marriott decided to try out as well. “I hope she gets an opportunity,” Ellis said of her granddaughter.

Sal Ruffino said he came to the casting call after his agent called. “He said there was something in my back yard being cast [and] maybe I should walk on over since I live in Durham,” Ruffino said. Ruffino has done numerous television and film roles. He played Chucky Signore in the popular series “The Sopranos.” Cheryl McConnell of Raleigh played Lucille in “Main Street,” filmed in Durham in 2009. She has done other acting, as well as voiceover work. Sunday she was eyeing the part of a real estate agent in the film as a possible role.

Shauneille Smith said she has been an extra before in an independent film. She will act in a play at St. Augustine’s College titled “The Love Search” in May. She works as a foster care supervisor and sees acting as another way to make a positive impact on people’s lives and enjoys the work. Being a foster supervisor “can be mentally draining sometimes, so you can see how something else with a different feel to it could be a good outlet,” she said.

“Lost Flight” centers around a young girl who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. She checks into the same hotel as the flight crew, which included her parents, who died in the crash. Dreams and flashbacks are part of the story as she tries to come to terms with this past.

Filming, said Anderson, will begin in Maxton near Laurinburg in May, but will switch primarily to Durham. Shooting locations will include Ninth Street and the Durham Marriott area.

StraightLine Productions shoots short films, commercials, training films, documentaries and feature films.

Original Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)