'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

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Adjustable-height stand-up desks were originally the brainchild of Abby Brown, an elementary school teacher from Minnesota. She took the idea for the desks to Wisconsin-based ergonomic office products manufacturer Sunway Inc., in order to help her own restless students. The idea has subsequently caught on, and the desks have become fixtures in schools across the United States…

…the reality is all children benefit from [the AlphaBetter height-adjustable desks] (as do the adults who use these desks)," says Brown…
…Guidance from Brown and other teachers played a significant role in the design of the height-adjustable desks. A unique feature of the desks is a swinging footrest that can channel students’ excess energy (i.e. fidgeting), and burn extra calories. Teachers who use the desks report that the movement is subtle and less distracting than wiggly kids who are trying to get comfortable in traditional desks. Through grants, Brown’s building acquired enough standing stations for every child.
“There are fewer requests for bathroom breaks and drinks, although there are still those students who need an excuse to get out of working on their math.” [Brown said]
…Brown’s students confirm they feel more energetic and less tired when they come home after school. Former students who have recently moved on to junior high tell Brown they have trouble staying awake and feel fatigued in traditional desks. Even in the standing desks, students are not required to stand all day. They sit on stools when they choose, most often after physical education or recess breaks and at the end of the day…

Indeed the AlphaBetter student desk comprises the central part of the ‘Stand Up For Learning’ concept - the AlphaBetter height-adjustable stool is the other essential part of the equation. There are various grant and funding options available to schools to transition to the ‘Stand Up For Learning’ concept: http://www.standupforlearning.com/Home/Grants%20for%20Sunway%20Furniture_FINAL2%20with%20logo.pdf

For example, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that connects particular projects and classroom needs with potential donors…

…Thank you so much for donating to this project. My students just love the AlphaBetter desk and stool! Students have been taking turns using the desk throughout the school day, and each one of them has said they really like it. Having the option to stand as they do their work has helped them focus more on their tasks. The standing desk and stool have been such a big hit that I am hoping to one day have a set at each table group…

…Now that we have been using the AlphaBetter desks for a few months, I can say that they are working out marvelously and thank you again for your generosity! They allow my shorter students to sit in the back of the room and still see the front of the room. Many of these children are sick of always being placed in the front, because otherwise they can’t see over taller students’ heads!

These unique desks also provide a place for students with extra energy a safe and appropriate place to stand, swing their legs, or sit on a stool… Students can do their work in a position more comfortable to them…

(sources: Education World: Teachers Trade Space, Fixtures for Fitness; Get Up, Stand Up! Stand Up for Learning! | DonorsChoose project by Ms. Park; Stand and Deliver II: AlphaBetter Desks in Demand! | DonorsChoose project by Mrs. Keysor)