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| Executive Director's Message | Mission | Accomplishments & Recognition | Watch a short movie . . . | Why Early Diagnosis is so important | Board of Directors |
Executive Director's Message
We are celebrating our 25th year as an educational institution providing services to over 400 children with language and autism spectrum disorders ages 3 to 21. Let us not forget that when we started in 1985, we provided services to 36 preschool children ages 3 to 5. We have come a very long way. In the past year, we completed a State program audit at Glen Cove and received accolades for our excellent program. We have reconnected with alumni families and received letters of gratitude from our past students who are now young adults.
Our middle/high school, which opened in 2006, gives families educational continuity in programming for their children. Within 2 years of opening, SLCD completed a comprehensive review process of its high school curriculum to establish course equivalency with local public high schools. In 2008, SLCD became a member of the University of the State of New York with full rights, privileges and responsibilities, including authorization to grant diplomas to the students completing grade 12 at SLCD. We are proud to say that our first graduating class is on target for a June 2011 graduation date!
We have much to celebrate in 2010. SLCD is relocating
the high school program in September 2010 to 87-25 136th Street, Richmond Hill to help more students reach their potential. A separate high school facility will allow SLCD to expand its vocational and life skills training programs and enroll additional students. This year, our first group of high school students successfully passed RCT and Regents examinations. These students have also received transition services, which involve a coordinated set of activities that promote movement from school to post-school activities including post-secondary education, vocational training and education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation. We are preparing our students for their future lives as working adults. This is a very difficult task.
The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy announced in 2009 that the unemployment rate for disabled Americans is now 13.2% which is 59% higher than the unemployment rate for nondisabled Americans. Statistics such as these confirm our belief that for students with disabilities, transition-to-work programs conducted in the middle and high school years offer among the most effective strategies for developing job readiness. The importance of vocational training in our high school is even more critical for the future lives of our students.
In order to make our new High School facility ADA compliant by July 2010, major renovations are necessary. Proceeds from our 25th Anniversary fundraisers will be used for an elevator, a HVAC system, computers and equipment for the building. The estimated cost to renovate the facility is $1.5 million. Naming opportunities are available for the building and the High School Program.
Our children have excelled over the years, and this year will be even better. We have an outstanding school that has a proven record of success - our students! When I look at all of my students at SLCD, I see a very bright future. Our children can and will succeed; they have been worth the fight!
Ellenmorris Tiegerman, Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director