Founded in October 2007 by a parent, Rekha Suryanarayana, and a teacher, Angela Stephens, It’s a Sensory World! was built on the belief that children with special needs should not only be accepted but truly celebrated. What began as the first recreational sensory gym in Texas and the second in the nation has grown into a trusted nonprofit that fills critical service gaps for families across North Texas.
Today, It’s a Sensory World! provides unique, sensory-based educational and recreational programming for children and young adults with autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing and communication disorders, and other developmental disabilities. Our programs are designed to meet each child where they are, building confidence, communication, and connection through personalized, therapeutic support.
We proudly serve hundreds of children each year from communities all across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our work is well known for being compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in quality.
As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our mission. Your gift helps us grow opportunities, expand access, and create a world where every child can thrive.
Our Mission: We serve children with special needs and their families with customized, sensory-based programs to maximize developmental potential leading to independence and inclusion.
Our Vision: Children with special needs are purposefully included in the community.
At It’s a Sensory World!, every child is writing a story of growth, connection, and discovery. But far too often, neurodiverse children are excluded from traditional educational and recreational spaces, leaving their stories untold. Families are left to piece together fragmented care across therapy providers, schools, and programs. The result is overwhelming, costly, and inconsistent support that leaves both children and caregivers exhausted.
We believe every child deserves a place where they are not only accepted but celebrated. A place where they are known, understood, and empowered to grow in their own way. Our programs provide consistent, sensory-informed education and recreation for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 2 to 22. Through strong relationships, individualized support, and therapeutic teaching, our staff help shape stories filled with courage, joy, and possibility.
On North Texas Giving Day, help us raise $75,000 to write the next chapter in our story. Your donation helps us:
- Create personalized learning plans for each child
- Provide assistive technology and therapeutic tools
- Offer inclusive, community-based instruction
- Supply safe and sensory-friendly classrooms
- Train staff and support graduate student mentors
- Host social experiences that build connection and confidence
- And so much more
This is more than a fundraiser. It is a chance to give every child a setting where their story can unfold with hope, magic, and belonging. Join us on September 18 to be a part of a story that changes lives.
All aspects of employment at ISW, including but not limited to hiring, job assignment, pay, training, discipline, benefits, and termination will be conducted with fairness and without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities, provided the employee is physically able to care for young children. All decisions will be based solely on merit, qualifications, and ability. All employees will be treated in a fair and just manner.
Organization name
It's a Sensory World!
other names
ISW, Sensory World
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Differences
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
Address
13617 Neutron Road