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COSER 204
Program for Students with Severe Disabilities
A Transdisciplinary Team
"Steps", the BOCES program for students with severe disabilities is based on a transdisciplinary classroom team approach. With state of the art facilities and a high staff to student ratio, the "Steps" 12:1+(3:1)* program focuses on developing the skill level of each child to provide what he/she needs to experience success in life. Every gain is celebrated and barriers are met with adaptation and perseverance as students work toward the physical, communicative and emotional competence necessary to live as independent and as functional lives as possible. Each student's strengths are used as a foundation for the classroom team to develop an individualized plan that will emphasize the development of independence, appropriate behavior, enhance communicative competence, pre-vocational skills, physical well-being, as well as community and social awareness. All goals and objectives are linked to the New York State Learning Standards (Alternate Performance Indicators).
*12:1+(3:1) represents 12 students / 1 teacher / 1 paraprofessional for every 3 students
Classroom Options
There are three classroom options for children in a BOCES program for students with severe disabilities:
¨ Elementary, for children approximately age 5 to 13
¨ Secondary, for children approximately age 13 to 21
¨ Class for children with high sensory needs
Skills for Transitioning after Graduation
Students develop skills for daily living and self-care by participating in language based learning activities. These activities incorporate the development of gross/fine motor skills, muscle strength/endurance and communicative competence.
In the year a student turns 15, a transition plan is developed. Parents and team members discuss the needs and opportunities students will encounter upon graduation. Goals and objectives are developed and become very focused on preparing students for their future in such areas as community living options, recreation activities, and vocational/day treatment programs.
Students receive an IEP diploma upon graduation, which typically occurs at the age of 21.
Teamwork
One of the best things about this BOCES program for children with severe disabilities is the belief that teamwork builds success. A highly devoted transdisciplinary team works together to form goals, provide therapy, and evaluate progress. From switch toys and walkers to work skills and social skills, it is a combined effort that makes this program successful. Team members include:
¨ Classroom Teachers
¨ Speech/Language Therapists
¨ Physical Therapy Assistants
¨ Occupational Therapists
¨ Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
¨ Paraprofessionals
¨ Skilled Nursing Care Professionals
¨ Teachers of the Visually Impaired
¨ Art and Music Teachers
¨ Psychologists
¨ Adapted Physical Education Teachers
¨ Vocational Teachers
Steps
¨ A class for children with increased sensory needs
¨ Sensory based light room
¨ Visual stimulation room
¨ Activities which integrate children into the school and community
¨ Access to durable medical equipment vendors
¨ Access to orthotists
¨ Informative vision clinics
¨ Opportunities for inclusion within other BOCES classes and/or home districts
¨ Community trips
¨ Pet companion program
¨ Access to assistive technology
Students are placed through a referral process and recommendation from the local school district's Committee on Special Education.
Vocational Program
The focus of the vocational program is for our students to develop self esteem and to recognize that work is an important contribution to our community. The vocational program works to meet the needs of students with varied levels of disability. Most students, age 13 or older, are placed in individualized work programs specific to their needs and abilities. These supervised include:
¨ Laundry Service
¨ Food Service
¨ Dishwashing
¨ Delivery
¨ Mail Service
¨ Greenhouse
¨ Mass production
¨ Recycling
¨ School clothing
