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Here at Westport Industries we have strived to bridge a gap between elementary functional academics and high school vocational training for students with Autism. Three years ago this classroom began with four students and has since tripled in size continually receiving requests for students to be taught in our classroom.
That is because we are trying something rarely done in Baltimore City. This middle school classroom uses our basic curriculum to teach all of the things we as a normative population take for granted (telling time, using money, speaking conversationally, playing games, using a computer, shopping, etc.) and couple that with an ever expanding individualized vocational training program. Regardless of the extent of the student's disability (low functioning and non verbal to high functioning Autism), we have tried to craft each lesson and opportunity to build an environment that teaches independence and generation appropriate vocational skills.
That means that our kids WILL NOT be simple sorters and filers. That means that our kids WILL NOT sit at the fringe of society doing remedial work. It is our hope that while with us, our Industry Members will begin the journey of crafting a set of skills contingent upon what they CAN do and hone such skills throughout their academic career. This will enable each one of our Industry Members to seek higher possibilities in the job market and in their own independent living situations.
This does not come without a cost. For the past several years the instructors of the classroom have spent well over $8,000 of their own money so that each environment is student friendly as well as age and disability appropriate. However, this has become burdensome for the staff due to the continual break ins and thefts of LOCKED classrooms to take these materials. The teachers have bought new locks so that only they can access the classroom. They have bought computers, video games, and sensory items all to have stolen prior to building new locks on the doors.
Due to the financial nature of the school district, the city is unable to fund our continually growing need for program specific items. That is why we need your help.
With the funds that we would receive from your generosity and kindness, our program can build a room that caters to the sensory needs each child has. Items such as light machines, bubble tubes, floor padding, massage rollers, water tubs, all seem like party toys but to these children it allows for the possibility to enable their heightened senses and calm their bodies. Sensory therapy is not a New Age buzz word; rather, an academically studied topic that gives a child with Sensory Processing Disorders, the opportunity to safely utilize each part of their body for therapeutic purposes. This is what we are about here at Westport Industries. Reaching each child where they are and taking them to where they can be. We hope that we can continue this dream with your financial contribution.
That is because we are trying something rarely done in Baltimore City. This middle school classroom uses our basic curriculum to teach all of the things we as a normative population take for granted (telling time, using money, speaking conversationally, playing games, using a computer, shopping, etc.) and couple that with an ever expanding individualized vocational training program. Regardless of the extent of the student's disability (low functioning and non verbal to high functioning Autism), we have tried to craft each lesson and opportunity to build an environment that teaches independence and generation appropriate vocational skills.
That means that our kids WILL NOT be simple sorters and filers. That means that our kids WILL NOT sit at the fringe of society doing remedial work. It is our hope that while with us, our Industry Members will begin the journey of crafting a set of skills contingent upon what they CAN do and hone such skills throughout their academic career. This will enable each one of our Industry Members to seek higher possibilities in the job market and in their own independent living situations.
This does not come without a cost. For the past several years the instructors of the classroom have spent well over $8,000 of their own money so that each environment is student friendly as well as age and disability appropriate. However, this has become burdensome for the staff due to the continual break ins and thefts of LOCKED classrooms to take these materials. The teachers have bought new locks so that only they can access the classroom. They have bought computers, video games, and sensory items all to have stolen prior to building new locks on the doors.
Due to the financial nature of the school district, the city is unable to fund our continually growing need for program specific items. That is why we need your help.
With the funds that we would receive from your generosity and kindness, our program can build a room that caters to the sensory needs each child has. Items such as light machines, bubble tubes, floor padding, massage rollers, water tubs, all seem like party toys but to these children it allows for the possibility to enable their heightened senses and calm their bodies. Sensory therapy is not a New Age buzz word; rather, an academically studied topic that gives a child with Sensory Processing Disorders, the opportunity to safely utilize each part of their body for therapeutic purposes. This is what we are about here at Westport Industries. Reaching each child where they are and taking them to where they can be. We hope that we can continue this dream with your financial contribution.