Multiple Disabilities MD
According to the State of Ohio Operating Standards, “Multiple Disabilities” means concomitant impairments such as mental retardation, blindness or mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments. “Multiple Disabilities” does not include deaf-blindness.
The Multiple Disabilities (MD) Program is designed to meet the needs of students whose handicapping condition or combination of impairments are so severe or unique that they can not be met in any other special education program. Placements are available for students with sensory and/or orthopedic disabilities, as well as students with the characteristics of autism, significant behavior concerns and/or moderate to severe mental retardation.
Each classroom is staffed with a teaching team of a certified Multiple Disabilities teacher and instructional assistant. Additional services and support for each student may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, transportation training, school-to-work transition, vocational training and placement, and any other necessary service as determined by a multi-factored evaluation and the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Partnerships are formed between parents and teaching teams to monitor and foster the progress of students enrolled in the Multiple Disabilities programs. Instruction has a focus on functional academics as they relate to everyday life situations and independent living skills. This instruction is delivered through the student’s consistent involvement in instruction based in the community, school, and home. For example: math, reading and social skills are taught in the grocery store as money recognition, label matching and requesting assistance; in the school by purchasing from the book store, attending school assemblies, and working in the school office; and at home by accompanying their family on shopping trips, making purchases with family members and attending family outings.
Contact Us:
Mary Wolf
Manager, Low Incidence
MD, Autism, OH, Med. Fragile, TBI
216.592.7299
Marianne.m.wolf@cmsdnet.net