Learning Supports

Speech Program
Speech and language therapy transcends virtually all aspects of the program at OFS. The speech therapist uses a variety of methods to provide services to the students. The frequency and delivery models are determined by the needs of the students.

The speech therapist employs in-class support and co-teaching of lessons in order to provide ongoing language learning assistance to both students and teachers. By constantly monitoring classroom progress, the speech therapist is able to customize speech activities that directly benefit students every day.

Speech is also offered to all students as a classroom subject which meets weekly. Classes are grouped according to students IEP goals, so the therapist can assemble small cohorts of students and target specific skills such as articulation, pragmatics, receptive and expressive language and processing as needed.

Social Skills is also a weekly subject taught by the Speech Therapist. The curriculum is constantly evolving, and is determined by the changing needs of the students. For example, if a particular class needs to curtail its interrupting or improve its listening, then that issue will drive the lesson plans.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy services are available to all students at OFS. They vary in focus and intensity according to each student’s needs, and are integrated into all aspects of the OFS program.

The occupational therapist visits the classrooms daily, assessing and monitoring the students’ progress and modeling techniques for the teachers. This approach enables the classroom teachers to reinforce the OT skills and methods constantly. The frequent communication between teachers and therapist as well as the ongoing OT training provided by the therapist is of great benefit to the students.

OT is also offered in a group format as a subject equivalent to art or music. The curriculum is based around the students’ IEP goals, so classes are assembled with these in mind. However, the lessons remain fluid and flexible, adapting and accommodating issues that arise in the classroom throughout the year. These topics might include social skills such as table manners or taking turns, organizational skills such as locker and desk management, or study skills such as test taking and mnemonics.

Students are encouraged to identify their areas of difficulty and are trained in self- advocacy. OFS uses the Alert Program for Self-Regulation and Brain Gym to assist students in understanding and addressing their challenges. Each classroom is equipped with a ‘Fidget Box’ containing T-stools, pressure cushions and other items which provide sensory input and enhanced attention. Students learn to monitor their sensory issues and independently address them as needed.

Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology is a major component of the OFS program and it is utilized with great effect. The Staff is highly trained in this area, and constantly monitors the students’ progress with an eye toward providing means to maximum achievement. For many OFS students, assistive technology is the key to success.
OFS utilizes many forms of assistive technology including:

– The WYNN Program. This is a software application that takes scanned textbooks, reads them aloud to students while highlighting the words on the screen, and provides definitions for unfamiliar words in the process. Students with both auditory and visual reading problems have made tremendous strides with the help of this program.

– Laptops of varying levels. Students who have difficulty with pen and paper may be equipped with laptops. This enables them to complete their classwork and homework successfully without the struggle of writing. OFS provides NEO, DANA and other laptop levels depending on the grade and technology skill of the particular student.

– Mimios. These applications transform a standard whiteboard into a computer. Mimios enable teachers to project instructional material to students’ computer screens, and print the material. This is a tremendous asset in note taking and accuracy and is a valuable reinforcement tool. The Mimio also has the capacity to send material via email to home computers, which enables parents to see exactly what was covered in class and the format in which the material was presented. This, in turn, makes homework more manageable.