Ozarks Healthcare Foundation Supports Sensory Equipment Donation to Thayer School District

The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation recently donated a piece of sensory equipment to the Thayer School District in support of Ozarks Healthcare Therapies’ dedication to students with special learning needs.

The donated drum sensory panel will be used by students as part of classroom activities designed to support learning, focus, and engagement.

“The drum panel will be utilized to improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, help with emotional regulation, develop motor abilities, improve cognitive skills, enhance auditory processing, encourage students to use their imaginations, and just for fun,” Mark Shrable, Thayer High School Special Education Teacher, said. “We thank Ozarks Healthcare for providing a tool which allows kids to learn through play and interaction.”

Sarah James, Director of Ozarks Healthcare Therapies, said sensory tools like the drum panel can play an important role in helping students develop critical skills.

“Therapies that incorporate sensory engagement can make a meaningful difference for children who benefit from hands-on, interactive learning,” James said. “Tools like this drum panel help support motor development, attention, and emotional regulation, while also making therapy and learning enjoyable for students.”

Leaders at Ozarks Healthcare say the donation reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children and families across the region.

“We are grateful to help connect resources that support students and educators in our region,” Josh Reeves, Vice President of Development and Advocacy at Ozarks Healthcare, said. “Through the generosity of our donors and partners, the Foundation is able to support projects that promote learning, development, and well-being for children in the communities we serve.”

The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation works with donors and community partners to fund programs, equipment, and services that enhance healthcare and wellness throughout the communities served by Ozarks Healthcare. For more information, visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Ozarks Healthcare Therapies recently donated a piece of sensory equipment to the Thayer School District through the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation to support students with special learning needs. Pictured from left to right: Josh Reeves, Ozarks Healthcare Vice President of Development and Advocacy, Bob Eckman, Ozarks Healthcare Foundation Board Member, Sarah James, Ozarks Healthcare Therapies Director, and Mark Shrable, Thayer High School Special Education Teacher.