SWANSEA — The state director of special education visited Joseph Case High School to look at its programs recently, taking interest in a transitional program for 18- to 22-year-old students with developmental disabilities that is not seen at many other commonwealth schools.
Russell Johnson toured Case with five other representatives of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education May 24. They wanted to know how the transitional program started and how to duplicate it, according to Julie Garell, director of student services for Swansea Public Schools.
"They're learning job skills, as well as life skills," Garell said of students in the program, who have finished high school but need more support. "What we try to do is help students build a resume."
After students leave the transitional program, the school informs a state agency about their skills and struggles, Garell said.
In a mock apartment, students learn to make beds, clean and fold laundry, Garell said. They learn to shop in the community to keep the apartment stocked. They cook, too. On the day state officials visited, students whipped up pancakes and blueberry waffles.
The program, which serves four students this year, is an extension of Case's Alternate Roadway through Case High (ARCH). Now in its fourth year, the program is proving it works, sending former students onto supported employment opportunities.
"We have been having success with our students leaving," Garell said. "DDS (Department of Developmental Disabilities) says this is helping them because it grows students' skills."
The Case transitional program is run by a teacher and a paraprofessional. The teacher has a license to drive a van to take students to places in the community.
Garell said the DESE representatives were impressed with the culture and climate of acceptance for students with disabilities at Case.
In addition to ARCH, state officials also learned about another program at the school: Case Alternative Center for Education, which helps students with social and emotional disabilities.