There are more than a quarter million students in New Jersey with disabilities, according to a 2007 Department of Education report. These young people have special needs related to orthopedic, speech, vision, hearing challenges and other disabilities.
Special education programs in four Catholic elementary schools and two Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Camden work to meet the academic, spiritual and social needs of students with special needs. Also, Archbishop Damiano School within St. John of God Community Services in Westville Grove provides early intervention programs that serve children with disabilities from birth to age three and adult rehabilitation services for those with disabilities 21 and older. More than $500,000 from last year’s House of Charity-Bishop’s Annual Appeal was directed to these special education programs
Elementary special education programs assist students at Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School (Atlantic City), St. Cecilia School (Pennsauken), John Paul II Regional School (Stratford), and Resurrection Regional Catholic School (Cherry Hill). Camden Catholic High School (Cherry Hill) and Holy Spirit High School (Absecon) provide special education programs for high school aged students. 120 students are served by the school special education programs, 52 of which are in the secondary schools and 68 in the elementary schools.
“Because of the support from parishioners through the House of Charity-Bishop’s Annual Appeal, we are able to provide a nurturing, caring environment that allows students with special needs to flourish,” said Eileen Murtha, director of the special education programs for the diocese. “These young people are an inspiration to all the students in these schools because they know great challenges, yet accomplish and contribute so much.”
Meanwhile, Archbishop Damiano School located on the campus of St. John of God Community Services is an approved, accredited private special education day school serving students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities ages 3 through 21. Services are provided to families from Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic counties at no cost.
“We provide a nurturing, age-appropriate and positive learning atmosphere that focuses on helping each student reach his or her fullest potential. This is accomplished with certified special education teachers, licensed therapists, skilled paraprofessionals and excellent nursing services,” said Kate Flynn, school principal.
The Archbishop Damiano Program includes basic skills instruction, socialization skills, language development and motor development; functional life skills, enabling students to participate in home and community environments; community-based instruction, which extends the typical classroom experience beyond the walls of the school and out into the greater community; and work adjustment training, which prepares students ages 18-21 for the transition to adult life with a heavy emphasis on employability skills. Presently, there are 185 students that attend Archbishop Damiano School.
“Students with special needs are served each year through the generous support of the people of the diocese. While economic conditions are difficult this year, the need of these students remains as pressing as ever,” said Mariann Gettings, director of the House of Charity-Bishop’s Annual Appeal. “We are so grateful for parishioners who give witness to their faith by supporting these important programs.”
Editor’s note: For more information about the Appeal or to contribute, see www.464edee1fa.nxcli.io.