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Elwood special education director highlights inclusive programming, unified sports and planned classroom expansion
Summary
Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Eileen Kelly Gorman reported that 88% of students with disabilities participate in inclusive programming for more than half the school day; the district will add an 8:1:2 class at Harley Avenue and expand co‑teaching next year.
Eileen Kelly Gorman, Elwood Union Free School District assistant superintendent for special education, told the Board of Education that the district continues to expand inclusive services and supports for students with disabilities and plans program growth for 2025–26.
Gorman said the district follows the NYSED Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities and that, this year, 88 percent of students with disabilities participate in inclusive programming for more than half the school day. She described a range of inclusive opportunities from co‑teaching classrooms to unified sports and transition supports that aim to foster independence and access to the general curriculum.
Gorman outlined staff training and professional development investments, and described specific programs developed or expanded in the past years: the EMS Nightingale's Cafe (a Friday coffee-delivery practice for communication skills), a high-school workplace simulation (the PASLIB) where students "clock in and clock out" to practice employment routines, and a new Boyd Express to let speech students practice functional tasks in school.
Student speakers and examples accompanied the update. Olivia Hepler, a high‑school student and Best Buddies member, told the board she joined the organization because she believes “in the power of inclusion,” and described plans for a Best Buddies field day in May to bring younger students into inclusive activities. Gorman also recognized student achievements: Patrick Heffron was recently elected to the NYSED Youth Advisory Panel and Joseph Amalito won a NYSCA Community Service Challenge Award, both cited as examples of student leadership.
Looking ahead to 2025–26, Gorman said the district will add an additional 8:1:2 class at Harley Avenue (eight students, one teacher, two teaching assistants) to serve incoming kindergarten students with higher needs, expand integrated co‑teaching programs, and continue growth in the K–5 resource-room program. She also reminded the board about upcoming unified sports seasons and inclusive events such as a Best Buddies field day and unified basketball and bowling seasons.
Gorman characterized the work as both instructional and social: inclusive programs, she said, "help to build confidence and important social skills while giving students an opportunity to create new friendships."
