Community+Resources+-+OCDSB

In addition to other excellent resources in the area, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has two Special Education Centres for students with severe developmental disabilities, and works in conjunction with a province-wide resource to help students with severe physical disabilities and limitations.

** Clifford Bowey Public School, Ottawa, ON ** Clifford Bowey Public School is located in South Ottawa, and in 2009-2010 had an enrollment of 91 students. Since opening its doors in 1970, the school has strived to meet both the academic and social needs of its students. Renovations and upgrades in 1977 saw the creation of a senior wing, 1983 brought both leisure and therapeutic pools, and more recently the addition of an exercise gym, outdoor fitness trail and a Snoezelen room (multi-sensory environment therapy). The school aims to help students with developmental disabilities learn and function independently and productively to the best of their abilities in a compassionate and encouraging environment.

The school is comprised of a highly trained and specialized staff that is committed to providing quality programming and experiences, and also the social, physical and emotional components that are equally important to the students’ quality of life. The majority of staff have specialized training in sign language, CPR, First Aid, and behaviour management and restraint techniques. The school has the services of speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a nurse, a nutritionist, and itinerant teachers for students with visual and/or hearing impairments. CBPS follows Ministry guidelines, curriculum checklists, uses current professional resources from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and the staff develops individualized programs in: P ersonal Care and Living Skills, Communication Skills, Social Skills, Self Control, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Skills for Literacy and Numeracy, and both School-Based and Community-Based Work Experience  Source information and additional information can be accessed by visiting their website: []

Founded in 1972, the Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education is located in Ottawa’s west end and in 2009-2010 had an enrollment of 76 students ranging in age from 3+ to 21 years. The school serves students with profound developmental disabilities. To be selected for enrollment, candidates must qualify through an admission process that includes both a psychological and medical diagnoses. CBCSE advocates and is committed to ensuring these students achieve independence, dignity and future success.
 * Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education, Ottawa, ON **

The school is comprised of 13 teachers and 29 educational assistants from a varying background of experiences and interests. All students at Crystal Bay are on an individual education program to meet their needs. The main focus of the program is on daily living skills, augmentative communication, self-control, and social and communication skills. Staff has a wide array of skills to meet the needs of their student. Students have access to the services of psychologists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language pathologists and nutritionists. Crystal Bay has 11 classrooms and in each of the classrooms, the program is delivered by a qualified teacher who works in collaboration with 2.5 educational assistants who provide support for student programming and needs. Services and facilities available at CBCSE include: a therapeutic swimming/riding/cycling; a Snoezelen room (multi-sensory environment therapy); Sensory Motor Activity room (vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile stimulation); living skills room; exercise room; games room for social skills; community outings; work experience. In addition to specialized programs, Crystal Bay ensures students take part in clubs and activities, and have access to outstanding facilities and resources,  Source information and additional information can be accessed by visiting their website: []   There are 43 Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) province-wide, and each of these community organizations provides a single access point for home care and school health support services. The CCACs provide many services: nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, social work, dietetic services, personal support/homemaking, and medical supplies and equipment to children of any age and their families in their homes; to children across the province who have an acute or a chronic physical problems and require direct intervention or support in order to be maintained in the home. Intervention ranges from post-surgical therapy to palliative care for children; to children in the school setting, including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and dietetic services to enable children with special health needs to attend publicly funded schools.  School boards are required to provide support and educational services, while the CCAC arranges for the necessary professional health services, as specified in the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy Program Memorandum No. 81, //Provision of Health Support Services in School Setting//, issued July 19, 1984.  Source information and additional  information can be accessed by visiting the Ministry of Ontario website: [], and selecting ‘Part G’ of the Special Education Guide for Educators (pg. G5), or by accessing the CCAC website: []
 * Ottawa-Carleton Community Care Access Centre, Ottawa, ON **