Page 24 - spaces4learning, Fall 2024

Advertorial
Designing Classrooms for Neurodiverse Learners
Case Study: SAdesks utts ierce Autism Center at ouro niersity
eada with Collaboration ables
SMARTdesks partnered with the Pierce Autism Center (PAC) at Touro University Nevada to create a supportive
and engaging environment for all learners. The PAC provides daily support and services to children with autism
and focuses on creating inclusive, therapeutic environments that cater to the unique needs of each child.
When Touro approached SMARTdesks to design a responsive space for these students, iGroup tables were
the ideal choice. These triangular, moveable, and feature writable surfaces, have significantly enhanced the
functionality and versatility of the PAC’s learning spaces. Students enjoy the interactive experience of writing,
drawing, and erasing directly on the tables, and the staff appreciates the ease of cleaning the tabletops. This
design adds an element of fun to classrooms while also facilitating a greener approach by reducing paper
waste. The multi-sensory effect of writing with dry-erase markers and the ability to easily erase mistakes
accommodate the needs of neurodiverse students.
The PAC uses the easily rearrangeable iGroup tables for a variety of purposes. In the afternoons, visiting K-12
students use the tables for homework, games, and other social group activities. The wheeled tables are mobile
yet stable, and allow staff to reconfigure the layout easily to suit different needs. The tables can be grouped into
sets of three for small group work or lined up for larger activities, providing an adaptable learning environment.
The flexible furniture allows the to engages with the outside community in its learning spaces. The center
hosted the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy organization, which used the iGroup tables for interactive games
and activities with the children. The tables have become an integral part of the center’s daily routine. Their
adaptability supports attention to individuals, while their durability and ease of maintenance help create a more
efficient and enoyable learning environment.
The Pierce Autism Center at Touro is just one example
of how SMARTdesks works with clients to furnish
their learning spaces as they change over time. The
increased recognition of neurodiversity in higher
education makes designing responsive learning
environments essential in 2024. SMARTdesks has
worked with Touro University Nevada since 2005,
from podiums of the past to collaboration tables of
today. Particularly in light of disruptive educational
technologies, the importance of an ongoing
relationship between furniture supplier and university
cannot be overstated.
SMARTdesks® works together with K-12 and Higher Education
clients to furnish learning spaces for all types of facilities. Learn
more at https://smartdesks.com, and submit a no-cost quote or
design request to start the conversation!
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