The Bridge School: Educational Inclusion Outcomes over 15 Years

Abstract

In this retrospective study, Bridge School's service delivery model is described and the nature and success of participants' initial educational experiences subsequent to Bridge School are reported. Bridge School provides intensive AAC services to students with severe speech and physical impairments, with the goal of facilitating student competence with AAC technologies and then returning students to their respective local inclusive schools. Sixteen former Bridge School students participated in this study. To establish a basis for participant outcomes, archival records were analyzed to determine the instructional focus, patterns of acquiring AAC technologies, and levels of educational participation. After attending Bridge School, 13 participants made the transition to inclusive educational settings in their local schools. From an educational team perspective, participants experienced success in these environments, but not all achieved independent use of AAC devices.

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• Outcomes
• Inclusive education
• Participation
• Physical impairment