ACCEPT 9-12 Academic and Life Skills

At ACCEPT, we work with parents and districts to design individualized, evidence- based programs for each student addressing academics, behavioral and therapeutic needs, life skills, and specialized services based on the IEP. Our programs address autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral needs, global impairments and medically involved disabilities, cognitive/intellectual disabilities, language disorders, ADHD/ADD, and nonverbal learning disability. Our goal is to build strengths and self-confidence, and to maximize potential.

We provide a continuum of programs and services PreK-12 and to age 22 for our students. All programs have favorable teacher to student ratios, individual and group instruction, focus on activity-based learning, have access to art, music, physical activities, health and wellness, technology, and pre-vocational learning, include positive behavior interventions and supports, and have an extended year option available.

The programs in the life skills strand blend academics, daily living, personal/social and occupational skill development with behavioral and social supports in a highly individualized program, tailored to the student’s unique profile, and based on the IEP. This makes every day an opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, self-control, and the life skills to pursue their passions. The program is a great fit for students who have complex language and learning difficulties, have issues with behavior or coping, and need moderate to significant modification to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in order to make effective progress.

Therapeutic Services Available

Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Counseling, Vocational Services, Transition Services, Nursing, Assistive Technology Support, Social Skills, Vocational/Transition, Language Therapy, Travel Training, Reading, Music Therapy, Behavioral Consultation

Parent Support Program:

ACCEPT clinical staff work closely with parents and outside service providers. Parents are regularly updated about positive progress as well as obstacles encountered along the way.

Extended Evaluation Option

For some students, an alternative school setting fortified by additional clinical supports can offer effective short-term stabilization. The highly supportive, closely monitored environment can address accelerated student needs that may arise from a variety of circumstances, including:

• Sudden/traumatic change in family unit
• School refusal and significant school anxiety
• Pre- or post-hospitalization
• Mental health issues

Students continue their academics and receive services identified in their IEP, while staff conduct an in-depth evaluation including:

• Review of records, observation, data collection and comprehensive assessments
• Collaboration with district staff to clarify presenting issues and identify referral questions.

A student transitions out of the stabilization program with an individualized academic and behavioral plan including measures and ongoing assessment protocols to periodically assess progress and revise the plan so that the student reaches their full potential.