League School of Greater Boston Receives a Generous Grant From the Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation

League School of Greater Boston Receives a Generous Grant

From the Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation

Funds from Dedham Savings Will Be Used to Expand the School’s

Adaptive Physical Education and Occupational Therapy Program

 

Earlier this week, League School of Greater Boston’s Executive Director, Dr. Frank Gagliardi, welcomed officials from the Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation to the school for a tour of the facilities and to show them how the funds from their grant were being put into action.

Dedham Saving’s Chief Operating Officer and Trustee of its Charitable Foundation, Gerard Lavoie, received a first-hand look at how monies from their grant were having an immediate impact in the treatment of League students by enhancing and expanding the school’s Adaptive Physical Education and Occupational Therapy program.

These programs promote skill development and assist in the implementation of necessary accommodations to foster functional independence in all areas of learning. Sensory activities and various modes of accommodation are integrated throughout the day in order to assist students in maintaining a calm alert, or regulated, state. At League School, emotional regulation support plans, including rich and varied sensation, are individualized for each student and include strategies to assist in calming and/or alerting the student as needed to achieve the highest level of independence possible.

Funds from the grant were used to purchase a variety of pieces used each day by the students participating in the program. They included a barrel swing, a bolster swing, an awesome hammock, a cuddle canoe, a Lego wall, an institutional padded tunnel and kneeling chairs.

The benefits of physical activity for children and young adults are widely understood as it promotes a healthy lifestyle. But for children with autism, who not only face a greater likelihood of obesity, running and other physical activity are critical in helping lead healthy and productive lives. Because of unusual dietary patterns and the use of antipsychotic prescription drugs, the rate of obesity among children with autism is more than double that of typical children. Research has also demonstrated that increased aerobic exercise can significantly decrease the frequency of negative behaviors common among children with autism without impacting positive behaviors, allowing our students to live healthier and more productive lives.

After watching the students participate in the program, Mr. Lavoie proudly stated “our foundation is renown for funding specific projects that result in benefiting large numbers of people in the communities that Dedham Savings serves. Being able to provide this equipment to League School is a perfect example of fulfilling that charter. This grant to The League School, which does extraordinary work in educating and caring for its student population, will make a measurable difference in the lives of those students and their instructors.”

Dr. Gagliardi added “the real cost to provide innovative, integrated and individualized programming for our students goes far beyond what can be done through tuition alone – it is only through support from organizations like the Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation that League School is able provide its students with the cutting-edge technology and equipment they need to grow and achieve success in life. We are forever grateful for their support.”

About League School of Greater Boston

League School of Greater Boston is a leading private day and residential school for students ages 3 to 22 on the autism spectrum. As one of the first schools to specialize in teaching children with autism, League’s approach is built on innovation as well as established programs that provide each child with the skill sets they need to enjoy success both while at school as well as later in their community. To learn more about our programs and facilities, go to www.leagueschool.com.

 

 

Staff members at League School of Greater Boston gratefully accept a generous donation from Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation. L-R: Ashley Porter, League School Occupational Therapist; Tim McCabe, League School Head of Development; Gerard Lavoie, Trustee, Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation; Lindsey Wagner, League School Occupational Therapist; Dr. Frank Gagliardi, Ed. D., League School Executive Director; Tracy Mellow, League School Occupational Therapist.