New A.E.R.O. campus brings light, nature, and comfort to special education students
A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative rented a 50-year-old facility to serve its 11 member school districts. A new campus provides a safe, nurturing environment with connections to daylight and nature for students with cognitive/physical disabilities and behavior/emotional diversities. The design responds to the challenges these students face and encourages them to become active members of the classroom.
The 150,000-square-foot facility, one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest, features neighborhoods that promote familiarity and comfort. Connections to secure courtyards support student/nature interactions, while the materials palette reflects the colors, textures, and forms of the natural environment.
Outstanding Project Award: Special Education, Learning By Design
A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center is a game-changer for special education facilities throughout the Midwest and beyond. The flexible classrooms, sensory-friendly environments, and enhanced safety features allow our team to provide personalized care and innovative programs that weren’t possible in the old facility. This center truly reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering space where everyone can thrive.
Dr. Dan Riordan, Executive Board President, A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative
This building represents a center of learning, but what it really is for students and families is a center of hope.
Dr. Bill Roseland, Executive Director, A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative
