BEARS is the acronym for BOCES Educating Autistic and Related Disorders Students. BEARS programs are designed primarily for students who have a diagnosis of autism, and are in grades K-12 and up to age 21. The programs serve students with disabilities resulting in multi-sensory or motor deficiencies and developmental lags in language, cognitive, affective and psychomotor areas.
BEARS classes are in multiple locations but they all came together to celebrate. To make the day a success, Career and Technical Education students, related service providers and volunteers helped create a safe and sensory friendly festival for students. The day included making crafts, potting flowers, decorating cookies, participating in obstacle courses, enjoying face painting, petting animals in a small petting zoo, and music by Jack of the Zucchini Brothers. Once the music started, the students got up to dance and sing together - it was a wonderful thing to see.
Assistive Technology Team Leader, Olivia Harrison, said, “everyone loves to be recognized. Our BEARS students work very hard every day in the academic and social world at WSWHE BOCES. This bonanza is dedicated in celebration of our BEARS students for all that they are.”
The BEARS students created a t-shirt design and with the help of donations, all BEARS students and classroom staff received a custom designed t-shirt to wear and take home that day.
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