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S c h o o l
From our early days as the “Little Red Schoolhouse”, we have always been deeply committed to providing educational programming for all school-age children at every level of disability. In addition to the services we provide in home school districts, we also offer a unique, warm, accepting educational experience for students ages 5-21 with moderate to severe disabilities at sites in Beacon, Poughkeepsie and satellite classrooms in the Red Hook School District. While we offer intimate instructional settings for those with special needs, we also strive to develop creative solutions to integrate our students with their more typical peers.
Our North Road School is conveniently located in the same building as the Abilities First Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, offering students easy access to assistive technology, Sensory Adventure Program and specialized therapeutic services. This “under one roof” model provides teachers and therapists an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure maximum success for our students.
For additional information about Abilities First School see our Frequently Asked Questions or call Bob Kelleher at 845-452-0774.
Our North Road School is conveniently located in the same building as the Abilities First Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, offering students easy access to assistive technology, Sensory Adventure Program and specialized therapeutic services. This “under one roof” model provides teachers and therapists an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure maximum success for our students.
The MOVE Curriculum for Children
Also available at our school is the MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) Curriculum for Children. The MOVE program uses mobility as a means of enabling people with disabilities to systematically and naturally acquire motor skills while engaged in other educational or leisure activities. The mission statement of MOVE is based upon the belief that the ability to “move” is the first foundation stone in building personal dignity.
The TEACCH Program
Our therapists and teachers are trained in and incorporate the principles of the widely recognized TEACCH program (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children). The goals of the TEACCH program are both skill development and fulfillment of fundamental human needs. This model promotes the growth of dignity, engagement in productive and personally meaningful activities, as well as enhancing feelings of security, self-efficacy and self-confidence. It has been highly publicized in recent years as one of the most effective approaches to educating youth with disabilities.Supportive and Professional Services
Other services incorporated into our educational plans include technology education, professional onsite adaptive physical education, art, music, therapeutic yoga, nursing services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and vision therapy. In addition, we offer community vocational placement to further solidify and carry out the skills of each student’s educational program.For additional information about Abilities First School see our Frequently Asked Questions or call Bob Kelleher at 845-452-0774.