Lynn Stephens, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Arbor Hill Elementary School, was one of 30 educators in the state to receive a $500 grant from Broadview Federal Credit Union.
The funding - which was accepted at a Nov. 4 ceremony attended by Stephens, Principal Roz Gaines-Harrell and Assistant Principal Janet Escoto-Lavoie - will help Arbor Hill's SLPs to create a set of adapted and interactive books for use in seven special education classrooms serving 84 students in kindergarten-grade 5.
"Through shared book reading, children develop stronger reading and writing skills, improve their comprehension skills, increase their vocabulary and learn to answer questions about text," explained Stephens.
"Students with autism and other disabilities, in comparison to their neuro-typical peers, often struggle with standard books. They benefit greatly from modified books that include repetition of phrases and concepts, simplified language, sensory components and the ability to answer questions non-verbally through picture choices."
Out of 120 applicants this year, just 30 were selected in the Capital Region.
According to Broadview, its supports "...unique teaching approaches...focusing on teacher-led innovation for engaging learning experiences."
Thank you to Broadview Federal Credit Union and congrats to Stephens, who went above and beyond to meet her students' needs!