Bedford expands special-education continuum; BEAR autism program reporting early transitions back to home schools

Marian Armstrong, who leads special education for the district, told the board Bedford maintains a full continuum of special-education services and highlighted a newly implemented BEAR autism program at Mount Zion.

Armstrong described services ranging from general-education classrooms with support to small-group classrooms and out-of-building placements when needed. She praised related-services staff — occupational therapists, paraprofessionals and others — for creating sensory spaces and supporting students with higher needs.

Armstrong described a partnership with Success for Autism that helped establish the BEAR program. She said the program serves 12 students at Mount Zion and reported several milestone successes: a seven-year-old student starting potty training after previously wearing a diaper, nonverbal students beginning to speak and students increasing seated work tolerance. Armstrong said the program’s goal is to return students to their home school buildings when appropriate; she reported two students are attending Carolwood in partial-day encores and are on track to return full time next year.

Armstrong also described a job-training program for students with disabilities that provides in-school vocational skill-building followed by community-based placements with local employers such as Marco’s Pizza, Planet Fitness and Habitat for Humanity. The program is intended to build employability and, where possible, lead to paid work after graduation.

Why it matters: Expanding in-district services can reduce out-of-district placements and keep students connected to local schools and staff. The BEAR program outcomes cited indicate students are making measurable behavioral and communication gains.

Ending: Armstrong said the special-education department is growing and the district will continue building supports and community partnerships to expand student opportunities.