Black lives matter. Bridgeway Academy was formed on the principles of equity, inclusion, and the establishment of environments and systems that are supportive of all people. 

Our mission is to inspire the potential and celebrate the ability of every child. The nature of our work puts Bridgeway Academy uniquely positioned at the intersection of race and disability. 

We know that our students and clients already face challenges navigating a world that was not built with their needs in mind. We also know that out of these 300 wonderful, extraordinary, and neurodiverse individuals, some are disproportionately affected by the issues of systemic racism, poverty, and inequality.  

Bridgeway Academy is committed to doing the hard work of confronting racism and implicit bias within our community and within our own organization. We promise to stand with our staff and families of color, to create a safe space for sharing, supporting, and lifting up marginalized voices to help us lead Bridgeway Academy on a path towards meaningful change.

We pledge to take steps to move towards a more equitable society for all people, and will continue to engage with conversations around how our organization can make a difference in the larger story of social justice, and to support members of our community who are actively engaged in this movement.

With Governor DeWine’s recent announcement that schools will not reopen until May 1, we’re using this time to take stock of our remote learning and therapy services in order to meet the needs of our students the best we can.

We also understand that extending the school closure can really impact families like the ones we serve, who have a child on the autism spectrum or with special needs. Our Family Partnership team and our Psychology team have put together some helpful tips to help families during this uncertain time.

For Parents & Caregivers:

Create a Space.

Giving your child a designated space for daily learning provides clear expectations for when it’s time to do school work. When your child is in the space, it’s time for school. When they aren’t, work is not expected to be done. 

If it’s easier to complete school work in an area that’s used for other activities as well, (e.g., the kitchen table for school work and eating) consider making a visual support, like a sign, to show when the area should be used for which activity.               

Make a Plan. 

Look ahead at daily lessons from classroom teachers, and have all the materials your child will need for activities out and ready before bringing your child to their designated learning space. Use a schedule to list out what your child will be doing during work time. It doesn’t have to be fancy – you can write it out or draw pictures- having your child understand the meaning of the schedule is what’s most important!

Establish a few rules for work time. While you sit and work with your child, provide them with lots and lots of praise at times they are following their rules! Be specific with your praise – add in hugs, squeezes and high-5’s for an extra bonus!                  

We recommend The Autism  Helper’s handout- Focus on Five: Tips for Parents for Home Learning for additional schedule ideas.

Set Your Child Up for Success.

If your child is able to sit well at the table for 10 minutes, consider setting a work time for 8 minutes. (Then take a break and come back to the lesson for another 8 minute block of time later.) If during work time, you see your child show signs of wanting a break, prompt them to ask for one! Model the language “I want a break” or “Can I have a break?” for them to repeat. Show your child the sign for break and help them sign break themselves. Or have a “break” picture icon available for your child to touch or hand to you when to indicate they want a break.

Think About Motivation.

What can your child have after completing their work? A special treat, a fun, new activity with you, or iPad time? Make a list of the items and activities your child really enjoys by observing your child during free time. Use these items to motivate them during learning time! Save the best items for the hardest activities of the day! Use a First/Then strategy to tell your child when they get these items! “First a reading worksheet, Then we can build a fort” or “First  science and math, Then we can go outside!”

Structure Down Time.

Rotate toys to keep things fresh. Gather up a basket full of toys that are currently around the house. Hide them away for the week. On Sunday night, bring those toys out for play. Gather up another basket of different toys and hide them away for the week. Continue rotating toys in and out. Additionally, toys can be rotated to different rooms or areas.

Look for Other Ways to Teach Throughout the Day.

Opportunities for learning are all around! Walk, march or dance around your house to find items of different colors. Point to the item, name it, and prompt your child to do the same. Toss your child on the couch and smoosh them with pillows for a sensory squeeze! As you do, name the color of the pillows. Tape pieces of construction paper to the floor and jump to each color. Play hide and seek together. Roll letters out of play-doh. Do math while baking cookies – measure the ingredients, point out the numbers on the box, and count the cookies you eat.

Give Yourself Permission to Be Perfectly Imperfect.

These are challenging times for all of us – this time at home is different. It’s out of routine for EVERYONE. Give yourself grace – focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. You’ve got this!

For Friends and Neighbors:

Stay connected.

At a time when it’s in everyone’s interest to stay physically distant, we are also fortunate enough to have the technology to allow us to remain connected with friends and family.  If you are friends with someone who has a family member with special needs – it’s now more important than every to reach out and check in. Consider:

• Setting a goal to video chat on regular basis.  Parents could even write this activity into their child’s visual schedule to add predictability to the event.  If appropriate for that child, consider adding criteria or challenges.
  • Challenge idea: Everyone should be dressed for the day before hopping on the call (staying in jammies all day can be tempting, but often the act of getting dressed for the day can really add a pep to your step!)
  • Criteria idea: Have the child to tell you about a few different topics in order to expand the conversation, such as naming something that made them happy that day, something that they had to work through that day, and something new they tried/learned/did, etc.  The goal would be to make the categories broad enough so the conversation is not robotic, but structured enough that the conversation is well rounded.
• Become pen pals with family and friends.  Who doesn’t love getting mail?  Whether handwriting a note or typing an email, becoming a pen pal with your family and friends is a fantastic way to keep social connections alive!  For children, this activity is also a great way to target academic skills at the same time. Win-win!

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we’re inviting you to #ShowYourAbility – because everyone’s abilities deserve to be celebrated!

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Big or small – everyone has an ability they can share! It’s Autism Awareness Month, and even though we can’t be together in person to celebrate, we’re inviting you to take the #ShowYourAbility Challenge and spread a little positivity – right from your own home!

DONATE

All about Planned Giving.

If you know Bridgeway Academy, you know that the work we do can be life-changing for our students and clients, and their families.

15 years ago, we opened our doors and our hearts to 12 preschoolers with autism and developmental disabilities. Today, we serve 196 children in preschool through 12th grade, plus over 150 therapy-only clients. Through careful planning, we’ve been able to achieve this growth – but – we know that there’s more life-changing work still to be done.

As part of our 15-year anniversary, we’re launching a Planned Giving Program.

When philanthropic giving to Bridgeway Academy increases, we’re able to offer more programs, more scholarships, serve more families, and ensure the organization’s growth well into the future.

What is planned giving?

Planned giving is the process of making a charitable gift during a donor’s life or death as part of his or her financial or estate plan. All planned gifts, whether from a Will or Trust, Stocks & Bonds, or a Charitable Gift Annuity, allow you to leave a lasting legacy, making Bridgeway Academy’s vision of a world of opportunity for every child and a community of support for every family a reality.

There are many ways to make a planned gift. Some popular ways include:

1. Gifts in a Will (Bequests)
2. Beneficiary Designations (involving all or part of life insurance, IRA, etc.)
3. Using a donor-advised fund to make a charitable bequest

Why should I consider a planned gift to Bridgeway Academy?

Bridgeway Academy’s 15-year history of growth and best-practice program offerings can give donors confidence in knowing that their resources will be managed properly. Donors can trust that their gift will directly benefit the programs that Bridgeway Academy provides to children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Is planned giving right for me?

If you believe in the work of Bridgeway Academy, there are so many ways that you can leave a legacy for the future of our children. A planned gift of any amount ensures our children’s future. In all cases, you are encouraged to seek the advice of an estate-planning attorney, financial planner, accountant or tax adviser.

We’re introducing a new giving society donors who leave a legacy gift to Bridgeway Academy – For Every Child.

As a member of For Every Child, you belong to a select group of like-minded people committed to the future of Bridgeway Academy and the children and families that benefit from its programs.

Other benefits include:

• Recognition in Bridgeway Academy’s annual report, website and lobby.
• Ticket/table discount at Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness, Bridgeway
• Academy’s annual fundraising event.

• Invitations to other exclusive events at Bridgeway Academy

To be eligible for membership in For Every Child, please inform us in writing that you have included Bridgeway Academy in your estate planning. Deferred gifts should be designated to Bridgeway Academy and can be directed to any fund or program.

To learn more, please contact Bridgeway Academy’s Advancement Office:
Carol Argiro, Director of Advancement
614-262-7520 | cargiro@bridgewayohio.org

More Resources:
“What are bequests? Charitable bequests from your will combine philanthropy and tax benefits.”
“10 Things You Might Not Know About Planned Giving.”

By: Janelle Maur

Bridgeway Academy’s summer camp is an important part of our programming throughout the year. It’s awesome when kids can have a place where they can learn (and play!) all year long!

Although our kids are still working on academic skills, we really like amp up the element of FUN in the summer!

During the summer, we host special guests often so kids can learn about different things – like the arts, animals, and model airplanes!

At the Secondary building, campers take frequent field trips in the community. They head to museums, the pool, work on life skills like grocery shopping

We want every child who would benefit from attending summer camp to have the opportunity to do so. That said, some families struggle with the financial component of sending their child to summer camp.

Lastly, we welcome back some older peer models for summer camp. We think it’s pretty amazing to have learners of all ages and abilities experiencing summer camp together.

Every year, Abby and Erin host SPIN for Camp Bridgeway which helps raise funds exclusively for summer camp scholarships! We hope you’ll join us October 13th to support amazing summer experiences for our students!