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Multiple Disabilities Program

Melanie J. Henkener - Director of Special Education

    The Auglaize County Multiple Disabilities Program serves children with a combination of severe educational needs from the six school districts in the county.  This program embraces a caring, learning environment based upon the belief that all children can learn, regardless of their disabilities, and that each child should be given the opportunity to succeed at this/her own rate to reach their highest possible potential.  Students participate in small and large group activities focusing on academic, social, behavioral, fine motor, gross motor, and daily living activities.  Students interact with typical peers in a number of settings.  Eligible children receive Occupational Therapy; Speech Therapy; and Physical Therapy services provided through the Auglaize County ESC.  There are sixty-five students served by seven Intervention Specialists and 21 Instructional Aides in seven classrooms located throughout Auglaize County.  An average of 3:1 student/staff ratio allows focused attention upon individualized instruction in a safe and fun learning atmosphere. 

Primary Classrooms

There are two primary classrooms.  One is located at St. Joseph Elementary in Wapakoneta and the other is at New Bremen Elementary in New Bremen.  The classrooms provide instruction to students in kindergarten through third grade.  They focus on the developmental and social skills at those levels.  The classes participate IEP directed in several walking fieldtrips, Equistrian Therapy, and the annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys.                                                

 Intermediate Classroom 

The Intermediate classroom is located in the New Bremen Elementary in New Bremen.  The classroom provides instruction to students in third through fifth grade.  Emphasis is on academics, especially language arts and math skills, with an awareness of the social students and science within their community.  Students participate in several IEP directed walking fieldtrips, Equistrian Therapy, and the annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys.

 Junior High Classroom 

The Junior High classroom is located at the Wapakoneta Middle School in Wapakoneta.  This program consists of students in fifth through ninth grade.  The students focus on functional and pre-vocational skills in the classroom.  These skills include money, time, and vocational skills.  Students are also exposed to job opportunities available to them in the community through job tours.  Students participate in fieldtrips with the typical classrooms visiting places such as the Wapak Theatre, the Annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys, the MD Chili Cookoff, and the Lima Symphony Orchestra.   

Senior High Classroom 

One Senior High program is located at the Wapakoneta High School in Wapakoneta.  A second Senior High program is located at Minster High School in Minster.  The students are in the ninth through twelfth grade.  Many students enjoy being integrated into elective classes with the typical population.  The curriculum focuses on daily living and vocational skills.  Many students work in the community for short periods of time once a week with the assistance of a job coach.  Students participate in IEP directed fieldtrips to the YMCA for swimming, the bowling alley, to restaurants, the Annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys, and the Annual Regional MD Prom.

Transition Classroom 

The Transition Classroom is located at the Auglaize County ESC    Annex.  It serves students ages 18 through 21 year of age.  The goal of the Transition class is to teach students how to function as independently as possible.  The class follows a community based functional curriculum to help students develop vocational, daily living, and recreation skills they will need to be independent adults.  In addition to being equipped with a kitchen and laundry area to assist in the development of home life skills, a Job Specialist provides vocational experiences through local business partnerships.  The classroom helps students and their families prepare for the transition to adult MR/DD services.  The Intervention Specialist works with family and supporting agencies to create a support network to assist in life after public school.  The students participate in IEP directed fieldtrips to the YMCA for swimming, the bowling alley, to various restaurants, the Annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys, and the Annual MD Prom.