BEVERLY — April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives (MOEC) wishes to recognize Northshore Education Consortium (NEC) for its efforts to support students with autism.
National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome during the month of April.
Northshore Education Consortium is one of the largest providers of special education programs for children with emotional, behavioral and developmental disabilities on the North Shore. NEC has a mission to support member districts by offering high-quality, cost-effective school programs, consultation, professional development, support services and resources. NEC aims to ensure that districts can provide successful learning experiences for all students, including those with complex or low-incidence special needs.
This year NEC is embracing the Autism Society’s theme, “Celebrate Differences,” which encourages people to recognize the array of experiences within the autism community and emphasizes the need for equitable access to support services and resources.
“This month serves as an opportunity for us to celebrate what makes each of us unique and participate in activities that practice inclusion,” said NEC Executive Director Fran Rosenberg.
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Northshore Education Consortium Diversity Task Force created tactile infinity symbols, available to students for sensory play. Additionally, sensory bulletin boards plus removable pieces were displayed on the first floor for students in wheelchairs.
An array of Red lights were displayed around the perimeter of the school, as a celebration of autism acceptance.
“I want to recognize the Northshore Education Consortium for their exceptional work to support their students during Autism Awareness Month,” said MOEC Executive Director Joanne Haley Sullivan. “The support that NEC offers its students and their families is truly inspiring, not only during Autism Awareness Month but every day of the year.”
Northshore Education Consortium offers a variety of programs year-round to support students with autism. NEC’s Kevin O’Grady School serves students ages three to 22 with moderate to severe special needs, including medical fragility, developmental disabilities, autism and intellectual impairment.
In particular, the Kevin O’Grady School’s REACH and TARGET classrooms service students with the primary diagnosis of autism.
The NEC REACH program provides intensive services for children ages six to 13 on the autism spectrum or who have developmental or intellectual impairments. Over the course of the program, students acquire the academic, communication, social/emotional and self-help skills they need to reach their full potential with an emphasis on learning taught through systematic instruction.
The NEC TARGET program provides intensive services for adolescents and young adults ages 14-22, who are on the autism spectrum or have intellectual impairments. Over the course of the program, students focus on the academic, communication, social/emotional, self-help, pre-vocational, vocational and life skills needed for them to become active members of the community.
“We are very fortunate to have the extremely dedicated staff members here at NEC who allow these programs to run smoothly and support students in their success each day,” NEC Executive Director Fran Rosenberg.
To learn more about Northshore Education Consortium, click here.
About Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives
MOEC represents the Commonwealth’s 24 educational collaboratives. MOEC serves as the voice of its members and works to develop a full appreciation for and understanding of educational collaboratives at the state, regional, and local levels. MOEC is the Commonwealth’s primary advocate for collaboratives and the critical role they play in the Massachusetts educational system.
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