Horizons : Multiple Disabilities

The Horizons Program of CAPS Education Collaborative is a public day program currently located at Westminster Elementary School. The Horizons program serves elementary age students with moderate to severe special needs who require intensive programming in the areas of behavior, social skills, communication, academics, functional life skills and sensory skills. Instruction is provided in 1:1 and small group settings to enhance each child’s specific needs and learning style. Instruction is based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and designed to address the goals and benchmarks outlined in the child’s IEP. In addition to academic work, emphasis is also placed on functional living skills including activities of daily living, social and community skills. The Horizons students have the opportunity to join typical peers during the school day in a variety of settings such as morning meetings, specials (art, music, gym), lunch, recess and assemblies with a staff member to provide support.

Services available to all students in Horizons are physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, vision therapy, and orientation and mobility therapy. The classroom staff is well trained in the use of behavior management, augmentative communication systems, sign language, sensory integration and developmental approaches and these are integrated into classroom routines. A high staff to student ratio is an integral part of the program and allows the flexibility to provide programming adapted to each child's unique abilities and needs.