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Carman Road School
For Students who are Physically
Disabled
Student Disability:
Students with
multiple, physical and developmental disabilities. Once accepted, students
attend a full day program, 5 days per week.
Student Age: 5 to 21
The Carman Road School
provides an outstanding program of comprehensive educational services that
develops students' academic, social-emotional, and pre-vocational skills
to the fullest extent possible so that they can become productive members
of society. The schools multidisciplinary team designs strategies to
achieve the goals and objectives established in each student's Individual
Education Plan (IEP). Traditional educational methods are used in
conjunction with state-of-the-art technology to provide stimulating
programs for students.
The innovative and diverse curriculum
is linked to the New York State Standards for Students with Severe
Disabilities. An Engineered Aided Language Environment, using Visual
Strategies, combines with Assistive Technology to encourage the growth of
communication and cognitive skills at all age and functional levels.
Classroom curriculum stress literacy/reading activities, authentic
life-based math skills, sensory activities, community
awareness/exploration. The curriculum, designed to encourage students to
maximize their academic, physical, and social potential, is enriched
through related field trips, assembly programs, and sports programs.
Carman Road School provides a
well-equipped, barrier-free learning environment. A wide range of adaptive
and assistive technology, including computers, low and high-tech
augmentative communication and speech devices, is used to help address
each student’s individual goals. The accessible Multi-Sensory Environment,
designed specifically for physically challenged students, is the first of
its kind in Nassau County. Program staff includes special education
teachers and teacher aides skilled in educating students with multiple
disabilities. Support services are provided by physical and occupational
therapists, speech therapists, school nursing staff, a consulting
physician, school psychologists, and school social worker.
Interdisciplinary meetings are held with the total educational team and
administration to discuss the needs of each child.
Led by a highly trained Assistive
Technology staff, our Learning Center Computer Labs are the hub of the
Carman Road School curriculum, where students have opportunities to master
the use of assistive technology, adapted computers, specialized software,
touch screens, and switches. Smartboards, touchscreens, iPods, and
web-based learning lessons are shared within our two Learning Centers. In
addition, computers are available in all classrooms, providing continuity
and enriching the instructional program.
Primary and Elementary students develop
readiness, language, literacy, perceptual-motor, sensory-motor and
self-care skills. Choice and decision-making are promoted via Visual
Strategies and Aided Language. Experiential learning, through exploration,
manipulation, imitation, and socialization, are keys to the curriculum.
Reading instruction and mathematical concepts are taught through a variety
of methods and adapted materials.
Middle school and secondary students
begin the process of transitioning from school with curriculum activities
and goals that focus on functional and adapted academics, independent
living skills, increased autonomy, community awareness and the development
of pre-vocational skills. Departmentalized activities provide
opportunities to interact with peers and staff in a variety of settings.
Students may also participate in community-based employment in varied
local community settings to help develop prevocational skills for
transitional placements.
An adapted barrier-free home economics
room and apartment within the school serve as on-site training centers for
the acquisition of many daily living skills. In the Library & Literacy
Center, individualized and group activities supplement classroom
instruction. Icon adapted books are available for students to borrow for
classroom and home use.
A well-equipped,
accessible greenhouse supports our Environment Education program where
students care for plants, turtles and fish. Experiential learning using
technology and traditional materials merge the areas of science, social
students and art. This innovative program also develops self-esteem,
creativity, socialization and personal growth.
The newly renovated
Gymnasium provides opportunities for our students to further
develop their motor skills. Adapted physical education teachers develop
unique activities to promote health and fitness activities for each
student. Individual and team sports are encouraged, providing
opportunities such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair volleyball and
floor hockey. Students may also participate in spin classes, weight
training and Wii tournaments.
The Music program offers
a variety of musical and motor movement activities. Students are given
opportunities to sing, move and use instruments via hand or switch access.
Skills such as following directions, spatial orientation, sequencing and
body awareness are encouraged through interactive music activities.
Students’ skills are showcased in our chorus performance groups
Community based programming uses the
community as an extended classroom, providing real life learning
experiences in a natural environment. Social skills are stressed through
actual instruction, role playing, and counseling. Travel training,
including group and individual instruction, is available both within and
outside of the school building. Training includes both pedestrian travel
and use of public transportation.
Parents are an active participant in the
education process. Opportunities are available to visit their child’s
classroom and related services sessions. Members of the multidisciplinary
team interface with parents throughout the school year. Parents are
encouraged to join our Parent Teacher Association, attend discussion
groups and to participate in the development of their child’s IEP.
Related services are
delivered as outlined in each youngster’s IEP and students are seen in
individual or small group sessions. Sessions are delivered in the
classroom, therapy areas, or specialized instruction areas.
Occupational Therapy
services provide students with opportunities to maintain, improve and
develop fine motor, sensory and activities of daily living skills.
Assistive and advanced technology is explored through switch access for
school activities and lessons, including pre-vocational interests. Our
Occupational Therapists are specially trained to offer a variety of
sensory experiences in our state of the art Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE).
This environment creates a pipeline to the sensory systems of the body
helping students make sense of their world. It improves attention and
focusing skills, encourages enthusiasm and motivation.
Contact:
Amy M. Rumelt, Principal
Steve Kessler, Assistant Principal
Carman Road School
One Carmans Road
Massapequa Park, New York 11762
Phone: (516) 608-6200 |
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QuickTime videos.