The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Office of Student Services provides educational and support services to students with disabilities by working cooperatively with school districts, local education agencies, institutions, places of employment, and individuals in the community.
The following is a list of programs and services provided by the Office of Student Services of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.
Specific programs and services are as follows:
| Assistive Technology Resource Center
The Assistive Technology Resource Center is a collection of devices, software, and print services. The center offers educational staff an opportunity to preview devices and materials, borrow equipment, and receive training on specific technology before investing school district dollars to purchase the item. A school district membership in the ATRC entitles any school district employee to borrow technology. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Assistive Technology Consultative Services
Experienced Assistive Technology Consultant to consult with classrooms/teams or district SETT facilitators to make recommendations for devices or strategies to use with individual students or groups of students. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| SETT Meeting/Consultation
SETT Meeting-Upon request/need, MCIU will send out teams of mental health specialists to support at times of crisis. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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Classroom Programs include supportive services: adaptive physical education, assistive technology support, psychological support and social work services. Related services are provided and the costs are calculated based on a child's IEP.
| Autistic Support/ABA Elementary Classroom
An Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classroom is available at the elementary level for children in grades K-2. This program utilizes evidence-based practices such as The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| Autistic Support/CLM Elementary Classroom
A Competent Learner Model (CLM) classroom is available at the elementary level for children in grades 3-5. This program offers an intensive, individualized teaching program designed to structure learning environments so children acquire the competencies necessary to be successful across learning environments. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| Autistic Support/Social Communications Elementary
A Social Communication classroom is available at the elementary level for children in grades K-4. This program focuses on the use of language in social contexts. This program encompasses social interaction, social cognition, pragmatics and language processing. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| Autistic Support/ Secondary Classroom
Autistic Support at the secondary level has a strong focus on transition skills. While students continue to participate in academic classes and work on IEP goals, transition planning begins year students turn 14 years of age (at the latest). Students now focus on skills needed to support their individual plan of post-secondary education, employment, and/or independent living. Community-based instruction with related services supports students in generalizing skills in the community. Many students also participate in half or full-day work programs at this point in their education. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| Communication & Learning Support Classroom
This K-4 program is designed to serve students whose primary focus is on establishing a communication system and developing basic academic skills. The speech clinician assigned assesses each student and develops the most appropriate communication system based on the individual's strengths and needs. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| Intensive Emotional Support (K-6)
This program is a school-based treatment program designed for children and in need of behavioral and mental health treatment and whose mental health needs cannot be met in a traditional classroom. The program offers both therapeutic and educational services to students in the classroom setting. These services are designed to provide maximum access to instruction while providing supports to either prevent the need for hospitalization or as a transition back to the school setting. Our program provides small group instructions from a certified special education teacher. We have a Board Certified Behavior Analyst on-site to provide behavioral interventions, written behavioral procedures, data collection, staff training, and consultation to all members of the IEP team. This program offers students group social skills training and individual counseling session(s) by a Licensed Social Worker that is onsite. Our program offers Adaptive Physical Education to all students on a daily basis. Another feature of our program is that we offer pet therapy. A service dog attends our program once a week. Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many of our students. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. Our pet therapy can be used in many ways, such as increasing student self-esteem; increasing student verbal communication; developing social skills; increasing willingness to join in activities; improving interactions with others; and motivating willingness to exercise. |
Contact:
Bruce Tinor |
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| Hearing Support Classroom (ELEM and MS)
A Supplemental Hearing Support Class is available at the elementary (K-4) and middle school (5-8) levels for students who are deaf/hard of hearing and require daily direct instruction by a teacher of the deaf. Both classrooms are located in Upper Merion School District. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Language Enrichment Classroom
Language-Based Learning Disability (LBLD) refers to a spectrum of difficulties related to the understanding and use of spoken and written language. Apraxia of Speech refers to difficulty moving lips or tongue correctly even though muscles are not weak. This program is available for children K-2 with a diagnosis of LBLD and/or Apraxia of Speech. A small classroom size taught by a Speech-Language Pathologist with highly structured group interaction and an organized manner of instruction using oral and visual methods. Reading, writing, spelling and oral language strategies are taught and reinforced. The classroom is located in Springfield Township School District. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Multi-Disabled Support Classroom
The Multiple Disabilities Support program offers a variety of strategies and specialized equipment in order to increase student progress. Teachers and related service providers work collaboratively to develop systems of communication and range of motion utilizing the latest adaptive equipment. Classroom staff also provide support for families including but not limited to wheelchair repair and accessing equipment through Medical Assistance. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| ESY - Autistic Classroom
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| ESY - Autistic/ABA Classroom
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| ESY - Autistic/Social Communications Classroom
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Kristina Corominas |
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| ESY - Communication/Learning Classroom
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| ESY - Summer Compass Program
The MCIU Compass Program is a unique summer transition experience designed to prepare students with disabilities for independent living and employment. Compass provides students with meaningful opportunities which are designed to increase personal independence at work, home, and in the community. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| ESY - Emotional Support K-6 Intensive
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Bruce Tinor |
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| ESY - Multi-Disabled Support Classroom
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| ESY - 1:1 Teaching Assistant
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY) classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms. |
Contact:
Contact Program |
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| Audiological Evaluation/Consultation
Per district request, a comprehensive hearing test will be conducted at MCIU. An audiological report will be provided to the district. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Audiological Services - Direct Support/Consult
Services of an Educational Audiologist available from MCIU to conduct hearing screenings for children in the classroom. Students who are unable to participate in traditional behavioral testing conducted by a school nurse can be assessed by an audiologist using alternative testing procedures such as conditioned play audiometry or electrophysiological measurements. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Audiological Services
Services of an Educational Audiologist available from MCIU to support students who utilize technology (hearing aids, cochlear implants, personal FM/DM systems, classroom soundfield systems) per their IEP. Services include: troubleshooting technology, consult with clinical audiologist and educational team, minor in-house repair, in warranty hearing aid service/repair, earmold impressions, loaner hearing aid fittings, sound level measurements for classrooms, purchasing and service/repair of district owned equipment. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Audiometer Calibration Program
Annual mandatory callibration of district owned audiometers is conducted during the summer. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Auditory Processing Consultation/Evaluation
Audiologist will conduct a record review, classroom observation, and formal testing. A report will be provided to the district. Additional services are available per request. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Classroom Acoustic Measurements
Since classroom instruction is primarily verbal, an appropriate acoustic classroom environment is important for all students, but particularly for those students with hearing impairment. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established national standards for classroom acoustics in 2002. The MCIU educational audiologist can perform field-testing of noise levels and reverberation present in district classrooms to determine if ANSI standards are met. Following these measurements, the MCIU audiologist can perform a site analysis and provide acoustic recommendations to the district for reduction of background noise and reverberation. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| FM SETT Meeting/Consultation
FM system consultation is provided as part of hearing support services for those students who are eligible for hearing support. However, school districts may elect to proceed with an FM system trial period for students who have normal hearing, or hearing impaired students who do not qualify for hearing support services. Services of a hearing support teacher or educational audiologist available from the MCIU to support a student’s FM use. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Functional Hearing Evaluation
An evaluation conducted by a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing to determine eligibilty for Hearing Services. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Hearing Assistive Technology
Purchase and or Repair of equipment. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Hearing Impaired Itinerant
Hearing Services (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Hearing Impaired Itinerant - Group
Hearing Services (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Adapted Physical Education/Health Consult
Adapted physical education (APE) is offered to School Districts and MCIU programs. APE is carefully designed instruction for students with disabilities that need adaptations with focus on gross motor skills. APE focuses on skills necessary for leisure, recreation, and sport experiences to enhance physical fitness and wellness. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Behavior Analyst
A Behavior Analyst provides a variety of behavioral support services to teachers and students within the school districts of Montgomery County. Our staff strives to be informative and creative while individualizing strategies and services in a flexible and collaborative framework to meet school district needs. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| Bi-Lingual Speech Evaluation (Spanish)
An evaluation conducted by a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist to determine eligbliity for Speech Services. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Bilingual Speech Consultation (Spanish)
A Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist is available for consultation with a schol-based IEP team for children in need of bilingual speech services. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Feeding Team Consultation
A Speech-Language Pathologist and Occuparional Therapist is available for consultation with a school-based IEP team for children in need of feeding services.This includes children receiving medically based feeding support and/or documented difficulties with safe and effective eating at school. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Feeding Team Evaluation
An evaluation conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. This includes children receiveing medially based feeding support and/or documented difficulties with safe and effective eating at school. A swalloing study and/or doctor script is necessary for this evaluation. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Health Classes
These classes are designed for students with disabilities who are unable to participate in general education curriculum. Lessons are developed collaboratively with the school district special education team and are customized to meet the specific needs of the students. The classes are conducted by a certified Health and PE teacher who is skilled in Adapted Physical Education. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Instruction Conducted in the Home
“Instruction Conducted in the Home” is recognized as a placement option on the continuum of alternative placements for students with disabilities. The use of instruction conducted in the home is restricted to students whose needs require full-time special education services and programs outside the school setting for the entire day. Ordinarily, these will be students who, because of a severe medical condition or mobility impairment, are unable to leave home to attend school. Instruction conducted in the home is a special education placement and is provided in accordance with an IEP and NOREP at a location that is determined in conformity to least restrictive environment. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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| Occupational Therapy Services/Evaluations
An evaluation conducted by a licensed Occupation Therapist to determine eligibility of Occupational Therapy services. Occupational Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Occupational Therapy Services - Group
Occupational Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Physical Therapy Services/Evaluations
An evaluation conducted by a licensed Physical Therapist to determine eligibility of Physical Therapy services.Physical Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Physical Therapy Services - Group
Physical Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Social Work Service
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit social workers are clinically licensed and certified as home and school visitors. Social workers contracted to work with building or district administrators or guidance departments are able to provide support in the following areas:
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Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| Speech Therapy Services/Evaluations
An evaluation conducted by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist to determine eligibility of Speech-Language Therapy services. Speech-Language Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Speech Therapy Services - Group
Speech-Language Therapy (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
AnneMarie Taylor |
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| Personal Care Assistant
Individual personal care assistants are provided for students who require intensive support to access their special education program. The goal of using a one-to-one teacher assistant is to facilitate independent learning to the extent that the student can eventually function independently without intensive support. The IEP team determines the need for a one-to-one teacher assistant. The most common reasons for this type of position would include behavior management and chronic personal care issues such as feeding regimens, respiratory or physical assistance. |
Contact:
Contact program |
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| BrainSTEPS
BrainSTEPS is a child and adolescent brain injury school re-entry program. Trained BrainSTEPS team members work with schools to make sure that those who provide educational support to children with brain injury have a good understanding that will help these students achieve optimal educational success. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| Bi-Lingual Psychological Evaluation
At the school's request, a bilingual evaluation will be conducted in Spanish and a report will be provided to the school. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| Crisis Support
Upon request/need, MCIU will send out teams of mental health specialists to support at times of crisis. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| Psychological Evaluation/Services
School psychologist services are provided to assist school districts with psychological evaluations and reevaluations, gifted evaluations, IEP team participation, and teacher consultation. Psycho-educational assessments provided to school age children by MCIU psychologists adhere to PA state special education requirements. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| School Attendance Improvement Program (SAIP) - Evaluation
The Student Attendance Improvement Program (SAIP) is a comprehensive school and home-based assessment and treatment plan for students who present with school refusal behavior and related mental health challenges. This program will provide a comprehensive evaluation by a team of evaluators including a licensed psychologist, behavior specialist (BCBA), and social worker. A treatment plan based on evidence-based, best practices and evaluation results will be developed. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| School Attendance Improvement Program (SAIP) - Mental Health Services
Ongoing support from a mental health clinician is provided to the student, their families, and their school team for contingency management and progress monitoring with the ultimate goal of improving school attendance. Ongoing parent support from a mental health clinician and/or social worker is offered to help the parent access community-based resources and implement supports for school refusal. |
Contact:
Aviele Koffler |
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| ANDERSON - Emotional Support/Secondary Classroom
The Anderson School provides a small, nurturing learning environment which meets the academic, behavioral, and therapeutic needs of students in grades 7 through 12. In addition to standards-based instruction, students receive counseling and other related services through the certified MCIU staff, including a full time counselor. All teachers are certified emotional support teachers that can provide specially designed instruction in any goal areas. A certified behavior analyst and social worker are integrated into the program and provide further supports. Students are engaged in college and career readiness activities, and can participate in work study or job coaching through the MCIU program. The Anderson School also provides school services to students enrolled in the Explorations Partial Hospitalization Program which is housed in the same building. |
Contact:
Christine Raber |
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| Education for ExplorationsPHP Students
The partial hospitalization program is a short term option for adolescents with severe emotional disturbance to help recover from crisis or as a step down from a hospital setting. ExplorationsPHP students receive part of their educational component at the Anderson School. |
Contact:
Christine Raber |
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| ExplorationsPHP Additional Class
Students may opt to receive instruction in additional classes while attending ExplorationsPHP. |
Contact:
Christine Raber |
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| Independent Living
The Smart Living program located at the MCIU building in Norristown provides students the opportunity to develop independent living skills. Students utilize the latest technology (ex. Alexa, Echo and Pea Pod) to learn skills such as cooking, housekeeping, personal care, banking, budgeting and resume/interview readiness. Students are encouraged to become active members of their community through current events, community-based instruction and volunteering in MCIU sponsored outreach programs. Students will be introduced to items that encourage access to the community such as state id., debit/credit cards and septa key cards. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| CEO Program at CTC
CEO is designed to integrate career education and transitional planning for students. The foundation of the C.E.O. Program is built on the effectiveness of applied, hands-on instruction in career education. This program provides students with disabilities intensive support in a variety of career areas. Additionally, students receive direct instruction in career development, job preparation, and skills training. The program exposes students to a variety of career opportunities to enhance employability skills. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| PAES Lab - Mobile
A Vocational Assessment Coordinator will bring various, portable activities and tools from the PAES Lab to the students’ home district. There is a 4 student minimum for the Mobile PAES LAB. Overseen by a Vocational Assessment Coordinator, the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) is a comprehensive curriculum that operates in a simulated work environment. This program is designed to provide students with hands on experiences in five career areas - Business/Marketing, Consumer Service, Construction/Industrial, Process/Production and Computer/Technology. This program helps students to match their aptitudes with their areas of interest and includes a Work Behavior Inventory. Students who complete all the tasks involved in the PAES Lab will receive a summary report. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Career Achievement Program (C.A.P.)
This program is tailored to each student's unique ability level. It is a combination of work opportunities, independent living and problem-solving skills. Students intern at the MCIU or community site and rotate through departments with or without the support of a job coach. Students start the day with a morning meeting and venture to morning work jobs. Students dine in the lunchroom with co-workers and meet with a transition teacher for job development time. At this time, students create career portfolios, job search, complete employment applications (online), and follow up with businesses. Vocational assessments, travel training, Osha certification and community based instruction at local businesses are also included within the full day program. The MCIU would assume the IEP responsibilities. Related services available as fee for service option |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Transition Services - Experience/Internship - Program Bundle
See description below. This service can be bundled with one of our classroom programs. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Transition Services - Experience
The Transition Experience provides students the opportunity to develop workplace appropriate social skills, career acquisition skills, and career retention skills by participating in a variety of occupational-type experiences in community-based placements. These experiences are individually designed to provide students with hands on occupational-type tasks in a business setting. Students receive periodic support from a Transition Teacher in addition to daily job coach support. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Transition Services - Internship
Community Based Internships are intended for students with a transition employment goal of competitive employment. Students will receive specific, direct training (as spelled out in their Training Plan from a local business. It is important to note that although there will be a job coach at these placements, students will be expected to function primarily independently with support from the job coach involving a daily check-in to determine if the student needs more support. Additionally, students will receive approximately 2 - 3 hours per month of support from a Transition Teacher with Cooperative Education Certification. Students will receive monthly evaluations (focused on strengths and areas for improvement) from the community placement. A Transition Teacher will meet individually with students to review and discuss their monthly evaluations. Generally, these types of internships are no more than 1 semester per placement. |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Transition Services - Employment
This program offers support for students with paid employment. Students are released from school for part of their day to attend a paid work experience. Students will receive 4 hours of support per month from a Cooperative Education certified Transition Teacher. Students will receive monthly evaluations from their employer. Support will take the form of observations, skill development, and monthly meetings with the Transition Teacher to discuss the student’s strengths and needs as identified by their employer. Students are eligible to receive school credit at their district’s discretion based on their hours worked |
Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Vocational Evaluation
The Aviator is a research based vocational assessment that:
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Contact:
Brittney Gambone |
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| Functional O & M Evaluation
An evaluation conducted by an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to determine eligibility for O&M services. Pre-requisite: This evaluation is reserved for students who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind, and those with additional disabilities that include a vision loss. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Functional Vision Evaluation
An evaluation conducted by a TVI to determine eligibility for Vision Services. Evaluation can include assessments for functional vision, learning media, and expanded core curriculum. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Learning Media Assessment for Students with Visual Impairments
An additional evaluation conducted by a TVI to child already receiving vision support services to determine the student's primary mode of literacy and functional learning materials. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Orientation & Mobility - Direct/Consult
Orientation and Mobility (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP in the school and community environments. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Vision SETT Meeting
Services of a specialist are available from MCIU to coordinate and lead SETT meetings for students with communication, visual or hearing needs. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Vision Impaired Support - Direct/Consult
Vision Services (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Vision Impaired Support - Direct/Consult - Group
Vision Services (both direct and consultative) are provided per the student's IEP. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| Vision Technology - Direct/Consult
An observation and consultation will be conducted by a vision technology specialist for students who are using Assistive Technology for a vision impairment. |
Contact:
Jill Christopher |
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| District Provider Flow Thru Contract
The MCIU will facilitate contracts and reimbursements on behalf of Montgomery County school districts for student services. These requests may include ABA/behavior therapy, parent reimbursements, one-to-one nurses, etc. |
Contact:
Dan Currie |
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