SERVING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

In Religious Education

Our goal in religious education is to provide catechesis to all youth in a parish program to the maximum extent possible. Children with disabilities should have the opportunity to share their faith in community with other children. The example of inclusion and compassion shown by the catechetical leader and the catechist should role model Christ's love for all. Parish programs should invite and include children with disabilities to participate in existing programs. Registration forms should provide an opportunity for parents to identify the disability of their child.

The Diocesan Religious Education office recommends that parents contact the parish Director or Coordinator of Religious Education to meet and discuss your child's needs. We recognize that God has gifted you with this special child and that you are the strongest advocate for your child and their needs. We have designed an Individualized Religious Education Plan to facilitate the process. The levels of placement are inclusion in a regular classroom with no additional supports or accommodations, inclusion in a regular classroom with appropriate supports (peer buddy, aide) or accommodations (Braille materials, interpreter, behavior program, etc.), part-time inclusion in a regular classroom and part-time in a small group or individualized instruction, full-time in a small group setting, individualized instruction in the regular program site, individualized instruction in the home by a parishioner or individualized instruction in the home by a parent/guardian.
If a parish program is unable to meet your needs, you may consider participating in God's Family: Learning, Loving and Living our Catholic Faith. (see above description under faith sharing opportunities).

A child with disabilities should be included to the best of his/her ability in prepare for and receiving the Sacraments with peers. We do recognize that each child has individualized needs and abilities and we are available to assist in preparing sessions that will benefit your child. Contact Sharon at surbaniak@buffalodiocese.org or 847-5514 for additional information.

In Catholic Schools

Baker Hall School is where students who live in the BVS Residential Programs or at home, continue their schooling within a more structured environment. They serve youths between the ages of 11 and 21 who may be experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges, are diagnosed with a mental illness, or have mild developmental delays. The school operates on a 10-month school year, but offers a six-week summer program. needs of its Baker Hall School offers educational services in a setting which is highly structured (8:1:1 student-to-teacher-to-teacher's aide ratio). The school provides a departmentalized program for students at a high-school level, but also serves those in need of more assistance, offering self-contained classes.

Baker Academy provides a learning environment for 90 special education students, all of whom come from the City of Buffalo Schools. A very structured educational setting (6:1:1 students-to-teacher-to-teacher's aide ratio) is offered for children and youths experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges. Each day, students, from kindergarten age to 12th grade, come to receive the special education programming that their school district is unable to provide due to their intensive needs. The basic principles of the school and its students are rooted in the "Circle of Courage" philosophy, a Native American belief system about the skills of Independence, Mastery, Generosity, and Belonging which children need to become productive adults.

Day Treatment Program reaches out to young people having difficulty in a conventional school system due to their disruptive behavior. Students (between the ages of five and 21) have been identified as having mental and/or emotional disorders which inhibit their ability (and the ability of those around them) to learn. These disorders range from severe behavioral and emotional problems such as uncontrollable anger or defiant behavior to psychiatric diagnoses such as paranoia or schizophrenia. Students live at home, but require clinical services in a full-day, year-round educational setting. With highly trained staff providing structure and a caring atmosphere, students learn to control their anger, make better decisions, and deal with their feelings in a more appropriate and responsible manner.

Parent's Guild are parents, caregivers, staff and friends who assist the Center through a variety of activities. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 7:30pm at 3233 Main Street, Buffalo in the Board Room.