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 Therapist, Movement Therapist 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