Programs for students with Multiple Disabilities

The Children’s Center of Monmouth County offers programming for students with a variety of multiple disabilities.  It is structured for the student to progress through a continuum of specialized learning environments that meet individual developmental and functional needs. 

Students with limited motoric abilities benefit from proper positioning to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores, muscle contractures, joint stiffness, and joint atrophy.  Other advantages include attention to task, optimal use of residual mobility, and safe-improved feeding. The staff is extensively trained on the variety of equipment that is available to our students. 

Students with other cognitive multiple disabilities follow our functionally based curriculum with instruction being individualized to meet the student’s unique needs.  Instruction may include formal language arts and math programs as well as teaching pre-requisite skills for advanced instruction. 

Communication is a primary goal in our instructional program.  A variety of options are available to teach students who do not have a functional means to communicate.    We understand our students communicate in a variety of ways and though they may verbalize, we recognize they may need support to communicate effectively.  Some types of systems introduced to students to assist with communication are:  static language boards, voice output devices, use of iPad with a specific application, big mac switches, E-tran boards, rocking switch plates, picture exchange communication systems.

Mealtime management is a vital focus of the school day.  Lunch and snack times are valuable instructional opportunities.  Children’s Center has students who are independent and dependent feeders as well as students who rely upon medical intervention in order to receive their nutrients.  Mealtime is closely monitored, as safety is of the utmost importance.  Mealtime management might focus on pacing, improvement of chewing and swallowing skills, appropriate use of utensils or maintaining a clean eating space. 

Nursing services are a major part of the school environment.  The nursing staff works cooperatively with parents and private physicians to ensure the health and safety of all students.  Nurses are available for tube feedings, physician ordered treatments, medication distribution and all of the daily nursing needs in a school environment.