Step By Step, Inc.

Creating Calm, Comfort, and Connection at Compass Day Program

For some individuals, the world can feel overwhelming in an instant.

A room that’s too loud. Too busy. Too stimulating. A difficult moment after a community outing. A bad day that feels impossible to regulate.

At Step By Step’s Compass Day Program, more than 30 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on staff and supportive spaces to help them feel safe, engaged, and calm. Over half of the individuals served are nonverbal, and many live with autism, physical disabilities, or complex sensory needs.

This year, through NEPA Gives, we’re raising funds to create sensory walls and calming spaces throughout the Compass Day Program.

These spaces won’t just be “extras.” They will become part of daily programming — designed to help individuals regulate emotions, reduce overstimulation, encourage engagement, and provide comfort during difficult moments.

Whether someone needs a quieter environment, sensory engagement, or simply a safe place to reset, these spaces can make an immediate difference in their day.

On June 4, you can help create that space. 

Your support helps create spaces where individuals feel safe, calm, supported, and included.