RRISD vs LISD vs PISD for High School Special Education (San Antonio: apartments, home)

[cwright5]

We are thinking of moving to the Austin area (Round Rock, Leander/Cedar Park, or Pflugerville) this summer and would appreciate some information regarding the High School special education vocational training programs in these school districts. My 19yo son has cerebral palsy, is mentally retarded and non-verbal. Though he is ambulatory, he doesn't have great fine motor skills (can't write well) and has limited reading skills. His receptive language is high but has little to no productive language and uses a voice output communication device called a ChatPC to speak. He is very active in Special Olympics and loves basketball, track, and swimming.

We used to live in San Antonio and he was receiving vocational training in their sheltered workshop program, working toward a goal of working in the community for part of the school day. We moved to the Orlando, Florida, area 2 years ago. The special education program here was very basic, with only one teacher and one aide for a class of 10, and he didn't get much instruction. His speech therapy was so limited that I employed a private speech therapist to help teach him to vocalize more. My son was to start the school's vocational training program (half day working in the community - with only 3 jobsites though) this fall when our family experienced a change in employment (we lost our jobs). Moving to the Austin area may give us opportunities in employment with the variety of technology companies there.

So, what I would like to know is ... what schools can provide good vocational training that includes many jobsites and good training for independent living. My son would like to live in a group home with other young adults like himself.

We appreciate any information including links to websites. Thanks.

[love roses]

This may or may not be of help, but there's a place around here called Sunshine ranch. It's mainly for kids with Down's Syndrom but I think they may have lots more information about resources. You could google it. It's based in Williamson County and Round Rock is in W. County.

[voneal]

I coordinate a grant program at RRISD and work closely with the Special Education Dept personnel. However, I am not versed enough in their curricula and programs to provide information. Feel free to contact Dir of Special Education Linda Noy via email at [EMAIL="linda_noy@roundrockisd.org"]linda_noy@roundrockisd.org[/EMAIL] for information.

[Anus312]

Hi we are planning to move from michigan to austin this winter,we planning to Join my two severe special needs kids in Leander isd.so could anyone please help me to find the best special education school in Leander and suggest some apartments also.thankyou