School Age

The LCBDD operates the Murray Ridge School in Elyria--a positive, caring and nurturing environment that enables students to acquire and practice functional skills in a manner that fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

The School-Age Program is for children ages six through 21.  Students are referred by their local school districts.  Placement requires:

·        Approval of the local school superintendent

·        Consent of the child’s parent/guardian

·        Agreement of LCBDD that placement is appropriate

Programs and services are provided at no cost to the family.

Transportation                             Physical therapy

Occupational therapy                  Communication therapy

Nursing                                         Assistive technology

School programs are chartered by the Ohio Department of Education.  The law requires that an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which outlines goals, objectives and therapy services, be developed for each student.  It is prepared cooperatively with:

·        Home school district staff

·        LCBDD staff

·        Parents or guardians

Placement is based on the IEP, which is reviewed annually.

Children are taught at the Primary, Intermediate and Senior levels by transdisciplinary teams.  Team members work together to address each student's needs, as reflected on the IEP. 

Instructional Goals

To prepare students for:

·        Communicating

·        Managing one’s body

·        Accepting home and work responsibilities

·        Understanding self and others

·        Traveling

·        Developing leisure skills and functional academics

At Murray Ridge School, student learning is functional and individualized.   Because skills are taught in situations where they are most likely to be used, instruction often takes place outside the school.

·        Restaurants

·        Laundromats

·        Shopping malls

·        Recreation facilities

·        Libraries

·        Community sites where students can be included

Many parents and volunteers assist students and staff on community outings.

Students can participate in a variety of activities at school.

·        Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America (meetings held weekly during non-instructional times)

·        Special Olympics

·        Field Days

·        Monthly social events

·        Seniors’ annual prom

As students near the end of their school career, Individualized Transition Plans assist each student and family in preparing for life choices, integration into the world of work and community, and decisions about where to live.

Contact Information

Lorain County Board of  Developmental Disabilities

Murray Ridge School

Dann Swift, Director of Education or

Joan Peterson, Supervisor

9750 Murray Ridge Road

Elyria, OH 44035-4805

Telephone: 440-329-3760

Fax: 440-322-5849

dswift@murrayridgecenter.org  

jpeterson@murrayridgecenter.org