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John Dolan School
Inspiring Learning
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Programs & Services
​​​​John Dolan School is for students, ages five to 21, who have multiple special needs. Classrooms are organized based on students’ skills, abilities and interests.​​

In each classroom, programming is based on individual intervention plans that target the following areas: communication, independence, academics, personal/social well-being, motor skills, transitions, safety, health and sensory needs. Students benefit from a focus on functional communication in a language-rich environment where core words are incorporated to advance students' ability to independently communicate and self-advocate. Academic programming incorporates both low and high technology interventions (e.g., core words, PECs, switches, iPads, eye gaze technologies, Soundbeam music technology) and frequent outings within the community to expand students' tolerance to differences in settings and routines.  

Participation in a structured, consistently balanced environment provides students with the opportunity to practice advancing their skills toward independence. In order to meet sensory needs, students enjoy frequent body breaks throughout the day (e.g., Snoezelen sensory park​ and outdoor sensory playground, therapeutic swings, bikes, gym). Highly skilled staff and nurses also address the daily health and safety needs of students. Bi-monthly school-wide activities are designed to build community and promote social well-being as an essential component to belonging. 

Students' needs are known, every individual is a valued member of the school community and students' potential is believed in.