David W. Smouse Opportunity School, Schule in den Vereinigten Staaten
The David W. Smouse Opportunity School is a Tudor Revival style school building in Des Moines, Iowa, designed specifically for children with physical disabilities. The structure features three courtyards, a rooftop playground, specialized classrooms, and therapeutic facilities including a hydrotherapy tank and rest room.
The school was founded in 1931 after Dr. and Mrs. David W. Smouse provided substantial funds to create a specialized facility for children with physical disabilities. Following Dr. Smouse's death in 1932, the school received ongoing financial support through his will via oil and gas rights in Texas, ensuring its long-term stability.
The school was named after Dr. David Smouse, a physician dedicated to supporting children with physical disabilities. The building reflects this care through artistic details including paintings, prints, and decorative ceramic tiles scattered throughout, showing how creativity and human dignity shaped the school's character.
The building features accessible entryways and interior spaces designed for children with mobility challenges, with smooth transitions and wide hallways. The site sits on 18 acres of well-maintained grounds, allowing visitors time to explore the outdoor areas.
The school received an unusual financial endowment: Dr. Smouse's will included oil and gas rights in Texas that still generate monthly payments to the school today. This continuous revenue stream from resource extraction has allowed the facility to improve and develop new programs for over 90 years.
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