ABOUT US AND WHAT YOU CAN DO
Providing Sensory Devices Directly to Children with Autism
Florida Sensory Devices Initiative
Helping Florida’s autistic students thrive—in class and beyond
At I Gave A Duck, is launching a major initiative to provide sensory devices directly to children with autism in Florida. These tools—such as weighted lap pads, fidgets, visual timers, and noise-reducing headphones—help students regulate, focus, and participate more fully in school. Teachers report calmer classrooms, improved transitions, and greater learning success when these supports are available.
Why this matters
In Florida, tens of thousands of children are on the autism spectrum. Many families cannot afford the specialized tools that make such a difference in daily life. Schools are often underfunded and unable to provide them. Without these supports, children may struggle with regulation, behavior, and learning, which places stress on students, teachers, and families.
By stepping in, IGAD ensures that every dollar donated translates directly into tools that help children thrive.
How the program works
- Identify the need – We work with school districts to identify students who would benefit most.
- Purchase in bulk – We secure high-quality sensory devices at scale to reduce costs.
- Deliver through schools – Kits are distributed by school staff directly to families.
- Measure impact – We follow up with educators and families to ensure the tools are making a difference.
Funding levels & impact
Our first phase focuses on six major Florida metro areas: Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Fort Lauderdale. We project an initial investment of $18 million to launch this effort statewide.
Funding | Impact |
$100,000 | Provides sensory kits for approximately 300 students |
$500,000 | Equips a cluster of schools within a district |
$1 million | Fully serves one major metro area |
$18 million | Launches the program across six Florida cities, reaching tens of thousands of children |
A typical kit may include: weighted lap pads or vests, fidgets, chewable oral-motor tools, visual timers, noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses/visors, and a family guide to strengthen home-school connections.
Partners & sponsorships
We are actively seeking:
- District partners in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Fort Lauderdale
- Foundations that support autism and special education initiatives
- Corporate sponsors through community impact and CSR programs
- Together, we can deliver thousands of sensory kits into the hands of the children who need them most.
Get involved
- Donate – Every gift, large or small, helps put a sensory kit into a child’s hands.
- Partner with us – Foundations, corporations, and local businesses can sponsor a district or metro area.
- Download our one-pager – A detailed overview of the initiative is available for funders and partners.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DIRECT
DONATION
The easiest way to help others is by donating what you can afford and directing it to the passion or charity of your choice. We will make sure your money gets directly to the cause and makes the most difference.
PAYING
IT FORWARD
Buying Ducks on our site also gives money to charities but it also gives you the ammo to go out and Duck someone. Carefully placing a Duck on the vehicle (use the hole in the Duck to slide on an antenna) or anywhere in their home or possessions passes along a message that they need to go Give a Buck to something they care about.
