SPECIAL SERVICES

The Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District (EWGRSD) is committed to the provision of an exceptional educational experience for every student in a safe environment. The Special Services Department’s goal is to ensure all students with disabilities receive their federally guaranteed free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment, thus promoting inclusive schooling. EWGRSD is an inclusive school community and places a high priority on meeting the needs of all children within the context of the general education program and classroom. This inclusion ensures all students achieve optimal academic growth while developing socially, emotionally and physically as well as allows children to be full members of our community.

The EWGRSD Special Services Department offers a wide range of continuum of supports and services designed to identify and serve students including Child Find, specialized instruction, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, and social work services. Students are determined to be eligible for special education by meeting state criteria in one or more state defined disability areas.

The Special Services Department at EWGRSD is committed to providing:

  • Individualized research-based services to students while supporting parents and staff to meet the unique needs of students

  • A full continuum of special education and related services in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities from age 3-21

  • Experiences for all individuals to be educated to the extent appropriate in general education settings, and to be as inclusive as possible in its practices in serving students with special needs

  • Partnering with parents to promote the collaboration among the school, home, and community that enables all students to achieve throughout their educational experience and beyond

EWG TRANSITION ACADEMY

The EWG Transition program would be a program for 18-22 year-olds who have IEPs and , who have completed the academic courses necessary for graduation but would benefit from an additional year(s) to acquire employment skills, functional life skills and social skills to better prepare for adult life. The students require additional time to achieve transition goals to complete their high school requirements. The EWG Transition program would provide students with classroom and community instruction. It would focus on vocational and occupational opportunities WITHIN our community.

EWG Transition Program Flyer

Overview/Presentation of the EWG Transition Program/Typical Week

Special Olympics and Unified Sports

Unified Basketball Schedule

We had 2 athletes and 3 partner athletes represent the Metcalf Mustangs at the Winter Special Olympics event of Basketball skills.  They competed against several other schools throughout our region in the following skills: dribbling, passing, catching, and shooting. 

Basketball Skills

NEWSLETTERS

Our newsletters were designed to bring awareness to different areas of development. The newsletters provide parent(s) with information on tips and tricks they can use at home to help build and improve the skills for their children. The newsletters are being developed by our social emotional learning (SEL) team, our occupational therapists (OTs) and our speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)

EWG ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GUIDE AND TEAM INFORMATION

EWG Assistive Technology (AT) Team consists of special education teachers, an OT and an SLP.  The goal is for the team members to provide AT services, which will include completing AT/AAC evaluations, making recommendations, observing, providing trainings and supporting the implementation of the device(s).

IDEA defines an 'assistive technology device' as...any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. (20 U.S.C. 1401(1))

IDEA defines an 'assistive technology service' as...any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes -

(A) the evaluation (B) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices (C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing (D) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices (E) training or technical assistance for such child, or the family of such child (F) training or technical assistance for professionals... (20 U.S.C. 1401(2))

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is considered AT as per IDEA.  An AAC system is a tool ranging from picture and symbol communication boards to a speech generated communication device that may increase social interaction and school performance.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Exeter-West Greenwich Special Services
940 Nooseneck Hill Road
West Greenwich, RI 02817

Phone 401-397-7420
Fax 401-392-0164

Name

Position

Email Address

Sarah Dentz

Director of Special Services

sarah_dentz@ewg.k12.ri.us

Mary Richard

Special Services Secretary

mary_richard@ewg.k12.ri.us