Multiple Disabilities
Karen Ruf, Director
M.D. Program
One of the services the North Point Educational Service Center provided to school districts is specialized instruction and classrooms for students with Multiple Disabilities, Hearing Impairments and Orthopedic Impairments. Students range in age from 5 through 21 and may access our classrooms in a variety of setting in Public School, Vocational School or some separate facilities. Currently we have 36 classrooms, each with a certified teacher and at least one Educational Assistant.
The education of students with Multiple Disabilities and Hearing Impairments must provide for academic instruction aligned with Ohio's Content Standards as well as specialized instruction in social skills, appropriate behavior, and effective communication with a special emphasis on daily living skills and vocational skills. Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Adaptive PE Teachers assist students with articulation, general communication and assistive communication devices.
All instruction and activities focus on enabling each student to become a contributing, more independent participant in the home, community and work environment.
Work-Study/Transition
Work Study/Transition Coordinators assist students and families with transition services. Transition is defined as a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability, which is designed within an outcome-oriented process. Services support movement from school to post school activities. This may include post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. Services are based on the individual student's needs, taking into account the student's preferences and interests. They include instruction, related services and community experiences. The coordinators help develop employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, the acquisition of daily-living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
During the school year that a student has their 16th birthday, a Work Study/Transition Coordinator will become part of the student's IEP team. The goal for the student is that they will graduate from high school with the vocational skills, work experience, social skills, and education that will enable them to be contributing members of their community. Coordinators assist with career planning, job seeking skills, vocational evaluation, job shadowing, summer job placement, vocational programming, referrals to adult service agencies, and making post-secondary decisions. For more information click on the ESC Services tab, then click on Transition.
Current Work-Study/Transition Coordinators:
- Mary Jean Balda
- Cheryl Verhovec
- Robin Hasselbach
- Drew Surovjak
State and District Test Participation
Students with disabilities must be included in statewide testing and assessment programs. They may take the grade level achievement test for each grade level 3 - 8, The Ohio Graduation Test at grade 10, or the Alternate Assessment. The determination regarding which assessment is appropriate is made by the IEP team.
For additional information contact Karen Ruf at 419-684-5385 or email her at kruf@npesc.org.
