Nonprofit Spotlight: FREDI, THE PIZZA MAN, AND SENSORY ROOMS

BY KENDRA ROGERS, MS

Imagine a space where your child is free to move their body in any manner that feels good to them. Picture your child in a space learning about how to move their body more efficiently. Dream of a space where your child can explore safely and learn simultaneously. That is what Fredi, The PizzaMan Foundation has worked to create for schools and arenas throughout MI. Through his foundation (https://fredithepizzaman.com/schools%26-major-arenas), Fredi and Romina, with the help of generous community donations, have provided the funding and materials for over 84 schools and 2 major arenas, Ford Field and the Breslin Center to build their very own sensory rooms. The whole Bello family including kids, Alessandra, Antonio, and Adriana, built the Ford Field and Breslin Center rooms that Fredi and his wife, Romina, Ph.D, designed.

Sensory rooms provide a rich environment in which those with physical or mental differences can safely explore and move without interference from polite society attempting to keep them in boxes. Slides, swings, textures, and balls are common tools in sensory rooms that provide the input that so many need and lack access to. In schools, sensory rooms are spaces where students can take a reprieve from the rigors of classroom behavioral expectations and reset their brains and bodies to engage in learning activities more thoroughly. Arenas that provide the solace of sensory spaces allow parents and caregivers to enjoy performances or sporting events while their children play and explore safely in a space just for them. When their son was young and first diagnosed with Autism, he benefitted from sensory rooms in his school. Though Fredi had a lot to learn, his wife, Romina, who holds a Ph.D. in Acute PT care, understood more. She helped with sensory needs, IEPs, and everything else school-related. Their son’s teacher expressed the need for additional resources in the school, so Fredi and Romina held a golf outing where they raised money to provide the sensory room equipment for Allen Learning Academy in Plymouth in 2016. The establishment of this first room catalyzed additional golf outings, fundraising, and eventually the foundation. To protect the children who benefit from the sensory rooms, Fredi ensures that the schools receive the equipment that has been requested by teachers who work with the students every day. Through word of mouth, Fredi has been able to support many schools and countless families by delivering the needed equipment to schools and arenas.

Having donated over $130,000 in sensory equipment, the Fredi The PizzaMan Foundation, 501c3, works to ensure safe spaces for those with Autism and many others with special needs. They also honor those who serve the community affected by Autism by highlighting teachers who have gone above and beyond to support their students. Sensory spaces help those with Autism by providing safe spaces in which to explore their sensitivities. They can touch, listen, and experience different body movements to learn more about the world around them while having fun. Not only do sensory spaces help those with Autism, but they also support those with ADHD, Down Syndrome, and other differences.

Those with ADHD benefit from space to run, climb, and jump while those with Down Syndrome benefit from the opportunity to increase their awareness and understanding of their bodies. Those who cannot walk or run can feel those movements through the swings and rockers in sensory spaces, too.

The clear benefit to many individuals makes sensory spaces a necessary part of schools and public spaces that wish to include those in the community with special needs. Fredi, The PizzaMan Foundation works tirelessly to raise funds for the improvement and creation of sensory spaces. Though Fredi is “The PizzaMan”, his pizza venture and sensory room engagements are separate entities that do not support one another in any way. Visit https://fredithepizzaman.com/ to learn more and donate.