The School District of Greenville County provides educational services for moderately and severely orthopedically disabled, visually disabled, and hearing disabled students in three satellite schools--Sara Collins Elementary, Beck Academy, and J. L. Mann Academy. These satellite schools are centrally located within the district, offer a barrier-free environment, and provide programs for the general education population as well as special needs students. Students with disabilities have access to all academic, vocational, and related arts programs as well as related services such as speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and orientation and mobility services.
For students with mental disabilities who require intense physical and occupational therapies, services are provided at Mitchell Road Elementary or East North Street Elementary Schools. Additional support staff is available for students at these locations. Students are transported to Satellite schools by mini buses equipped with lifts and other special devices.
Coordinator
Debbie Sweet
452-0018
Philosophy of the Program
Students are assigned to the least restrictive setting which is appropriate. The needs of the "total child" are considered. Positive home-school relations are encouraged. Individualized instruction is provided. Enhancement of self-concept and independent functioning is a goal which permeates all instructional activities.
Placement in the Program
Requires:
- Comprehensive screening and evaluation procedure
- Diagnosis of hearing handicap, visual handicap, or orthopedic handicap by a certified licensed specialist, in accordance with federal, state, and district guidelines
- Placement recommendations and development of an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for each student by a multi-disciplinary team, including the student's parents or guardians
- Determination made by the team that placement in the program is necessary to provide an appropriate educational program
Visually Disabled
Services are provided for students with visual impairments whose acuities range from 20/70 to complete blindness. These are students of legal school age (4-21) who because of their visual limitations require special accommodations in the educational setting. Services provided to the students include but are not limited to:
- Evaluation for eligibility
- Consultation with classroom teachers regarding adapting instruction and assignments
- Instruction in efficient use of vision including use of Low Vision Aids
- Formatting printed materials to make them accessible (regular print, large print, Braille, or audio)
- Instruction in Braille and use of specialized materials: abacus, Braille N Speak, slate and stylus
- Instruction in specialized technology for the visually impaired: typing, keyboarding, screen reading software
- Evaluations for and instruction in Orientation and Mobility for eligible students
Orthopedically Disabled
Orthopedically disabled students are pupils of legal school age (5-21) who have an impairment which interferes with the normal functioning of bones, joints, or muscles to such an extent and degree as to require the school to provide special facilities and instructional programs. Services provided the these students include but are not limited to:
- Evaluation of eligibility including obtaining physician's certification of a physical handicap
- Consultation with classroom teachers regarding materials, furniture, instruction, and assignments adaptations
- Modification of the classroom facility and/or equipment
- Provision of assistance to the classroom teacher as well as the student in the area of self-help-adaptive living skills
- Instruction in keyboarding skills
- Monitoring of facility to ensure that it is barrier free
- Collaboration with the classroom teacher regarding positioning of the student, and positioning of equipment as well as training for other adults working with the orthopedic student
Hearing Disabled
Hearing Disabled students are pupils of legal school age (3-21) who have been diagnosed with a hearing impairment by a certified, licensed audiologist. The hearing impacts educational performance to such an extent that special education services are required. The primary responsibility of deaf education is to facilitate language development. Our students receive services in their regular classrooms throughout the school district. Such services include but are not limited to:
- Evaluation of students to consider eligibility
- Consultation with classroom teachers regarding audiological equipment, seating concerns, instructional tips, modifications as needed, and planning appropriate instructional strategies
- Provision of specialized tutorial assistance
- Parental assistance with information which would enhance the opportunity for the student related to accessing hearing aids
- Consultation with speech-language pathologist directed toward developing and implementing strategies to address language problems
Related Services
Lead Occupational Therapist:
Lisa Swartz
452-0023
Occupational and Physical Therapy
Occupational and physical therapists provide services to students when an evaluation has been conducted and eligibility has been established. The role of therapy in the school setting is to provide equal educational opportunities to students by promoting increased independence in the least restrictive and most supportive environment. Therapists collaborate with instructional personnel, students and family, to provide appropriate intervention focusing on the development of physical, cognitive, psychological, psychosocial, and sensory motor skills. The therapists' goal is to provide services to students in natural school settings including the classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, playground, hallways, and stairs. By using a team-oriented approach, the student's total program is strengthened as developing skills are integrated throughout the day with ongoing reinforcement from all school personnel.
Physical Therapists work in the following areas:
- Removing classroom barriers and improving conditions by adapting chairs and desks
- Educating staff on the child's needs
- Ensuring that students access the school safely and efficiently · Maintaining/improving mobility as appropriate for school specific tasks
- Assisting with extracurricular activities such as school trips and the playground
- Providing necessary equipment to assist the student
Occupational Therapists work in the following areas:
- Helping students develop/maintain activities of daily living
- Helping students develop/maintain functional fine motor skills
- Providing skill training for pre-vocational and vocational tasks
- Providing training with assistive technology
- Providing environmental modifications and sensory-motor strategies
Orientation And Mobility Services
The Orientation and Mobility specialist teaches specific skills, concepts and awareness of the environment, enabling the student to move about as independently as possible. Areas of focus include body awareness, spatial consciousness, hand trailing, self-protection, cane skills, and indoor and outdoor mobility.