By Tina Moreno, M.A. CCC-SLP, ATP, Speech Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Professional, LeafBridge at UCP of Greater Cleveland
Six-year-old Mason Michels’ family knew he needed extra supports to succeed in the classroom. He requires a high degree of specialization due to his complex needs. Alternative education can be designed to meet the needs of students who may not be successful in traditional schools.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s education should have open discussions with their child’s school district and connect with their school’s parent mentor ( if one is provided) if they believe that alternative education might be beneficial for their child. The school district usually pays for the alternative education program. In order to change a student’s placement, the parents and the school district have to agree that it meets the student’s needs. Students typically attend public school in their home school district, near where they live with peers. Students who attend alternative education travel to another location to receive specialized education services with students from other districts.
For example, UCP of Greater Cleveland’s LeafBridge Alternative Education (Alt Ed) Program was well-suited to address Mason’s therapeutic and educational needs with highly trained staff to support complex needs related to communication, assistive technology, movement, positioning, fine and gross motor, sensory, academic, vision, social/emotional well-being, and daily care.
Alternative education also helped Mason find his voice, thanks to the highly trained specialists who are part of the everyday classroom experience, LeafBridge’s AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) Lending Library allowed Mason to trial other communication systems, different from the touch-based AAC device that had been causing him much frustration. His team found that an eye gaze device worked best for Mason. His team all worked together to learn the new system and ensure consistent access to the device.
“It felt like a window into his thoughts was finally opened, bringing a new level of connection and understanding to our lives,” said Mason’s mom, Allison.
UCP of Greater Cleveland’s LeafBridge Alternative Education (Alt Ed) Program empowers children with complex disabilities using a highly individualized, trans-disciplinary approach. To learn more, contact Celia Chesnick, Childrenand Family Services Manager, at cchesnick@ucpcleveland.org or 216-791-8363 ext. 1260. https://www.ucpcleveland.org/