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Empowering Abilities

This series shines a light on the abilities of students with physical and mental disabilities and approaches to teaching them.

From making meals to selling Christmas cards, students learn job skills

All Districts Gregory Chandler

Now in its 15th year, Region 1 Transition Services provides continuing education opportunities for adults, ages 18-26, with special needs in northern Kent County. The program’s goal is to help students gain employment, become involved in their local communities and lead independent lives...

Walkathon delivers peer connections, outside experiences

Empowering Abilities Bridie Bereza

Last year’s event raised $2,100, which paid for a monthly student experience at Pine Grove, ranging from a mobile zoo exhibit to the antics of local author and puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad...

Leaders begin transition of center programs from GRPS to Kent ISD

Empowering Abilities Charles Honey

The Grand Rapids school board voted to discontinue operating special education center programs on behalf of all 20 Kent ISD school districts, effectively turning them over to the intermediate district as of July 2019...

Let’s review center-based special education programs, say superintendents

Empowering Abilities Charles Honey

A study will bring in an outside consultant to evaluate whether GRPS center-based programs are providing best practices compared with other districts in Michigan and beyond...

Signing for Children Opens ‘Window to Information’

Northview Charles Honey

Early on a Monday morning, Kari Chapin’s kindergartners sit on the floor as she leads them through lively exercises -- singing the days of...

Grant Brings Sex Ed Instruction to Students with Special Needs

Empowering Abilities Erin Albanese

Eighth-grader Bryan Galvez aptly summarized the consequences of healthy versus risky decisions when it comes to teens and sex. “Would you rather have a...

Signs of Understanding

Empowering Abilities Erin Albanese

Senior Nathan Ketchpaw uses sign language with big motions –– wide arms, a broad grin. His favorite sign? "Lion," he demonstrates, running his hand...

‘A Chance to Have a Meaningful Life’

Caledonia Erin Albanese

Dutton Elementary School second-grader Daniel Donaldson uses pictures and words on his talker to say what he needs to say. "The device gives me...

‘They Learn by Music’

Empowering Abilities School News Network

A drum beat echoes down the halls of Sparta's Appleview Elementary. The source: a boisterous bunch of musicians keeping a beat and dancing to the...

‘Like Brothers and Sisters’

Byron Center Erin Albanese

High school senior Kamryn Jansen helped sophomore Chris Lippenga to screen print a previously tie-dyed T-shirt. On the front they printed “LINKS” and on...

‘A Model Program’ Says State Supe

Empowering Abilities Charles Honey

About halfway through a tour of Northview High School and its Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program, junior Bozena Sneller asked state Superintendent Brian...