ACCEPT 6-8 Academic and Therapeutic

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 therapeutic strand brings together clinical, therapeutic, and behavioral services with rigorous academics, and supports to strengthen life skills. We use an integrated team model that seamlessly

blends individualized clinical services within the practices and routines of the school day to help students learn the skills they need in the places they will use them, with more practice opportunities. Each student participates in all classroom activities, and teachers and therapists can focus on skills that are immediately useful leading to better generalization of the skills. The academic curriculum is challenging and engaging, aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum frameworks.

Therapeutic Services Available

Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Counseling, Nursing, Social Skills, Language Therapy, Reading, Music Therapy, Behavioral Consultation

Parent Support Program: Staff work with students, families, schools, and community agencies to provide support services that meet the unique needs of students.

Additional Program Information:

Inclusion opportunities are made possible through the strong partnership ACCEPT has built with member school districts. Students who meet individualized academic, behavioral, or social development criteria have the opportunity to integrate within the general education environment when possible, with ACCEPT staff support provided through specified criteria.

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.