Western Suffolk BOCES: Wilson Tech Center

Gersh Autism Academy is a specialized educational institution dedicated to empowering children on the autism spectrum. With over 30 years of experience, the academy's core mission is to unlock potential and redefine possibilities for its students, providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic, social, and personal growth. The academy offers a comprehensive range of programs and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students, including: - K-12 education with individualized teaching strategies to support academic success. - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, recognized for its effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. - Occupational therapy to help students develop essential life skills, including gross motor, sensory motor, and executive functioning skills. - Vocational training that prepares students for independence in the workforce, including job skills training and internships with local businesses. - Life skills programs focusing on self-care, home management, and community integration to promote independence. - Social skills development through classes, community outings, and real-world interactions to enhance communication and relationship-building abilities. - Early intervention services that begin as soon as a diagnosis is made, setting the foundation for future success. What sets Gersh Autism Academy apart is its commitment to lifelong support for students and families. The academy fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring that graduates remain connected and supported even after leaving the program. With a focus on individualized care, small student-teacher ratios, and a collaborative approach to education, Gersh Autism Academy is dedicated to helping each child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Robert Williams School is a Nassau BOCES middle school program providing an academic setting with a multidisciplinary team for students with learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Instruction is aligned to New York State standards and includes opportunities toward a Regents diploma or other state-approved diplomas, along with CDOS-aligned work-based learning where appropriate. School-wide PBIS and explicit pro-social skill instruction are integrated to support social-emotional growth and independence. Key programs include academics aligned to New York State standards tailored to students' cognitive levels and learning styles. The school offers pathways toward a NYS Regents diploma or other approved diplomas with CDOS-related instructional and work-based learning opportunities. The Therapeutic Learning Collaborative (TLC) provides two specialized programs: the Intensive Support Program (ISP) offering counseling partnership with North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center for individual, group, family counseling and psychiatric care; and the Transitional Support Program (TSP) supporting transition to less restrictive settings with counseling from BOCES psychologists, social workers, and guidance counselors. Guidance services include transitional planning beginning at age 14 and assistance with working papers. Placement is through the home district's Committee on Special Education (CSE) as part of the student's IEP process.