Students with Special Needs

The mission of The Academy is based upon the premise that people should be limited only by their capabilities, not their disabilities. The Academy provides support to its students with special needs through a variety of Assistive Technology devices and software, variable instructional and assessment terms, individual and group tutoring, and access to curriculum in alternative delivery environments.  The application of these resources is intended to enable maximum freedom of access to opportunity and environment, and active participation in all aspects of their vocational program at The Academy.

The Academy’s student population is composed of disabled (38%) and disadvantaged (62%) adults.  Approximately 60% of our disadvantaged adults have undiagnosed learning disabilities and learning style differences.  This means that approximately 75-80% of our student population has special needs.   These needs have to be addressed if our students are to be successful in the workforce or in continued post-secondary education.  Many students initiate the process for testing and assessment while enrolled at The Academy through VESID, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), Veteran’s Administration, and other agencies.

When talking about students with special needs, the traditional division of impairment categories is by limitation in areas of functional ability: vision, hearing, mobility, speech, and cognitive function. The consequent disabilities are in the areas of: reading (text and graphics), listening, writing (homework and exams), and interacting with fellow students and teachers. The Academy makes every effort to provide those activities and technologies which accommodate its students disabilities/needs including but not limited to: