ABOUT FRAZIER SENSORY BAGS
Founded in 2021 by Michelle Frazier, a dedicated mother of two special needs children and a Community Care Paramedic for Fire District 3, our non-profit was born from a late-night realization and a vision for change. Michelle recognized a gap in how first responders could better serve children with sensory sensitivities during emergencies. Inspired by similar initiatives, she created the "Frazier Bag"—a drawstring backpack filled with carefully selected items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and more. These tools are designed to help children with special needs feel safe and supported when they encounter emergency response situations.
​
Our journey began in Jackson County, Oregon, with Fire District 3, where Frazier Bags were placed in every emergency response vehicle. From there, we expanded to police departments across the county, including Central Point, Medford, Eagle Point, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
​
But our vision goes beyond Jackson County. We aim to equip emergency response vehicles worldwide with Frazier Bags, ensuring that no child—regardless of location—is left without support during a crisis. By empowering first responders globally with sensory tools, we strive to create a future where all children with special needs feel understood, supported, and calm during emergencies.
​
Our work is driven by a belief in the power of compassion and inclusion. By equipping first responders with the tools to reduce sensory overload, we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of local agencies, first responders, and our community as we work to bring this vision to life. Together, we’re building a world where no child is left behind—one bag at a time.
LEARN ABOUT OUR VALUES
​
-
Compassion
We believe in meeting children with special needs where they are, providing tools and support to help them feel safe and valued in stressful situations. -
Inclusion
Every child deserves to feel understood and supported, no matter their unique needs or circumstances. -
Empowerment
We equip first responders with practical tools and education to better serve children with sensory sensitivities, enabling them to provide compassionate care. -
Innovation
We continuously seek new ways to improve the lives of special needs children and their families through thoughtful, sensory-focused solutions. -
Collaboration
We partner with first responders, community leaders, and organizations to create a network of support that benefits children and families worldwide. -
Global Impact
While rooted in our local community, we are driven by a vision to make a difference on an international scale, ensuring every child has access to the tools they need during emergencies. -
Commitment
Our dedication to creating a more inclusive and understanding world guides everything we do, from each bag we deliver to every life we touch.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to bring awareness to special needs by fostering meaningful communication, leading with heart, and grounding ourselves in faith. We believe in creating a compassionate and inclusive world where every individual, regardless of ability, is understood, valued, and supported. Through education, advocacy, and heartfelt connections, we strive to uplift those with special needs and inspire others to do the same.
MEET THE FOUNDER MICHELLE FRAZIER
I began my career in EMS (Emergency Medical Service) in 2001. I climbed my way through the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) ranks until I reached my dream of working as a Paramedic in 2006. My first EMS job was with a nonprofit transporting ambulance company. I stayed with that company until I began working as a Community Care Paramedic in 2020 for a local fire district. One afternoon (in 2021) I was talking with a Deputy Chief and expressed to him how challenging pediatric calls are and even more anxiety inducing when you learn (from 911 dispatcher) you are responding to a special needs patient. He agreed and shared the same anxiety. I asked him if we could carry sensory bags for special needs patients and he said “yes.”
I met my (now) husband in 2009 and we married in 2010. In 2015 we welcomed our first baby boy (Gavin) into the world and baby boy number two (Henry) in 2018. In 2017 my husband and I noticed Gavin was not meeting all of his milestones and our concerns grew. We soon learned that everything we needed for our son would become a fight. A fight that not only took a toll on us emotionally, but mentally and physically too. We will talk more about this struggle later.
I assembled my sensory bags and gave my first presentation on children with special needs. I wanted to not only present the fire department with statistics, medical diagnoses profiles but something that not many other people have openly talked about-the raw everyday struggles. The fire crews appreciated my first hand experiences. I was able to create a safe environment where crews were able to ask questions they may not be comfortable asking in any other setting. What l did not expect is more first responder agencies to want the same presentation and sensory bags. Next thing I knew nearly every first responder agency in Jackson County had my Frazier (Sensory) Bags. I traveled throughout different parts of the state of Oregon sharing my story.
It took us 5 long years, more doctors appointments and tests than I want to count before we finally received a medical diagnosis of Autism for Gavin. One of the things I share in my presentations is the pain of isolation we (special needs community) experience. We also (at times) begin to lose hope and grow exhausted in the daily fight for resources (help) needed for our special needs children in a system that (feels) stacked against us. Once I began giving my presentation to other first responder agencies l learned how my story began giving hope to other families who also felt alone and overwhelmed. My story gave them the second “wind” needed to not give up but learn to take one struggle at a time and know they are not fighting alone.
I knew I needed to share my family’s story with more than just first responders but with organizations. I have been blessed with two special needs boys and a passion for inspiring others to break communication barriers while seeing what the special needs community can share with you. Which is why I am starting my own nonprofit and how “Frazier Bags” became Frazier Sensory Bags.
