SASED Multi-Needs Program
The Multi-Needs Program is designed to provide quality
educational experiences to students who have multiple disabilities.
All the students have some level of cognitive delay and may have
other disabilities such as speech/language delays, physical
challenges, sensory processing deficits, autism and/or medical
needs. Instruction is provided in a small, structured classroom
setting with a Certified Special Education Teacher, trained Teacher
Assistants, Speech Therapists, Occupational and Physical
Therapists, Music Therapists, Adapted PE Teachers and other
specialists depending on the needs of the students. The students
attend regular education buildings that are age appropriate for
their particular grade. The program is individualized and
personally designed to meet the needs of each student from the ages
of 3 to 18 yrs.
The curriculum used in the Multi-Needs Program is designed to
enhance the student's ability to become as independent as possible
in the real world. A multi-sensory approach to instruction
is used in order to give students exposure to different ways to
learn. The functional academic curriculum is tailor made to each
student's needs and instruction is provided in small groups as well
as one to one instruction. The classroom setting is structured,
stimulating and supportive of individual learning styles. The use
of technology is a highly motivating medium for students with
disabilities to access information. A variety of specialized
software and hardware is used in order to adapt a computer or other
assistive technology device to each student's ability. A variety of
specialized equipment is used to enhance students' learning by
providing them with the proper positioning and therapeutic
intervention.
The program is designed to provide students with multiple means to
communicate and to get their needs, desires and thoughts across to
others. Students are exposed to oral motor activities designed to
enhance verbal expression; sign language instruction; augmentative
communication devices designed to help students communicate and the
use of written or pictorial methods of expressing their needs. The
primary goal of speech and language instruction is to develop a
comprehensive method for students to communicate in the real
world.
Music Therapy is an integral part of the Multi-Needs Program. Music
Therapy is defined as the use of music to improve or maintain
physical, mental and emotional health. It differs from music
education in that it teaches educational concepts along with life
skills that will help students be as independent as possible.
Learning how to grasp a maraca, for an example, helps a child learn
how to grasp and use other items like a spoon or tooth brush.
Learning to sing along with peers helps children learn how to
cooperate and take turns. Music is also a wonderful medium for
personal enjoyment and fulfillment.
The Multi-Needs Program at the high school level is designed to
prepare students to successfully transition into the community
following graduation. One of the most important goals of this
program is to prepare students to become a part of an integrated
employment force, develop the skills to live as independently as
possible, continue to develop their educational interests,
participate in fulfilling recreational activities and serve the
community through volunteer work. A team of specialists collaborate
with the student and family to help students learn skills they need
to work at a job they enjoy, access community services and
activities and become an active, happy and successful member of the
community following graduation from school.
The Multi-Needs Program provides intensive, individualized
instruction to a group of special students from the ages of 3 to 18
years. The goal is to help students become as independent as
possible and to prepare them to live a happy and productive life in
their home communities. The Multi-Needs Program is a specialized
program for some very special students.
Contact Person:
Sue Wisniewski Shannon Cribaro scribaro@sased.org
Phone: 630-620-9479
Fax:
630-620-9564
Email: swisniewski@sased.org
