Program Philosophy
The philosophy of the
Discovering Every Skill That Is Now Yours (D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.) Program
is to maximize student independence and participation in their
family, school, community and vocational experiences. Students
should be challenged through the implementation of research-based,
scientifically-proven instruction and other best practice
methodologies which will enable them to grow to their maximum
potential. We believe each student with cognitive, physical,
sensory, and medical disabilities is unique in their personality
and educational needs.
Comprehensive, multi-modal programming is utilized to meet the
academic, communication, physical social, vocational, emotional,
medical and behavioral needs of students. Our highly qualified
trans-disciplinary team also uses technology to motivate, instruct,
and support each student.
Program Design
The D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. Program
provides instructional classrooms that are housed in public
elementary and high school buildings. Student's ages 3 to 18 years
are provided with comprehensive programming to meet their academic,
communicative, physical, social, vocational, emotional, medical, and
behavioral needs. The classrooms are arranged to provide students
with a predicable, structured learning environment that incorporates
the use of augmentative communication techniques and devices.
Curricular experiences related to functional, daily life skills are
provided in both a classroom and community setting. Methodologies
and curriculum materials incorporating TEACCH, P.E.C.S.,
Intellitools and the L.C.C.E. are used to support a multi-modality
approach to instruction.
A multidisciplinary team consisting of a teacher, speech
pathologist, social worker, nurse, paraeducator and individual
school health aides make up the core of the instructional team.
Additional support services such as occupational therapy, physical
therapy, behavioral consultation and vision/hearing itinerant
services are provided per individual student IEPs. This
multidisciplinary team provides support to both the student and
their families. Parental support is provided in the areas of
transition planning, student medical issues, behavioral support and
implementation of communication systems within the home environment.
Student progress is assessed continually by all team members using a
variety of published assessments instruments. These include the
Brigance Inventory of Basic Skills and the Hawaii Early Learning
Profile (H.E.L.P.) and the Illinois Alternate Assessment. Student
portfolios and individualized data collection systems are also used
to assess student progress throughout the school year.
Southwest Cook County
Cooperative
