Alternative Programs

Social Acquisition of Interpersonal Language

Program Description:

The SAIL Program is designed for students on the autism spectrum who thrive in a structured educational setting that emphasizes the development of social and interpersonal language skills. The program offers flexible services tailored to each student’s individual needs, with a focus on long-term educational success. 

A multidisciplinary team—including an Intervention Specialist, Educational Assistant, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—collaborates with students, families, and IEP teams to support progress toward each student’s goals. Instruction is delivered through one-on-one and small group sessions using language-rich, evidence-based strategies. 

Students benefit from a comprehensive program that includes structured academic instruction, social language groups, behavior management, functional living skills, sensory programming, social skills development, and vocational exploration.

Program Mission: The mission of the SAIL Program is to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to school-age students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the most challenging educational needs in an academic environment that fosters acceptance, independence, and success.

We believe:

• All students should have access to the Ohio Academic Content Standards, including the Extended Standards. Curriculum materials should be modified to progress student learning 
• All students are entitled to pursue educational requirements in a safe and respectful educational setting
• Skill development is imperative to student success: attention, imitation, communication and language, social relationships, symbolic play, imagination, self-regulation & fine/ gross motor. 
• All behavior has a communicative purpose and it is our responsibility to assess and strive to determine the communicative intent of each behavior.
• All students should be respected as intelligent individuals and be challenged to meet their fullest potential. 
• Families need to be active partners in their child's education process. 
• Vocational education is an important part of educational programming. 
• Community participation, involvement, and awareness is essential for student success. 

Program Staff:

The SAIL Program is committed to partnering with families to support the unique journey of raising a child with Autism. Our team takes a collaborative approach to help navigate challenges and celebrate every success along the way.

Our dedicated staff includes an Intervention Specialist, Educational Assistant, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and School Psychologist. Each team member participates in ongoing professional development to ensure students and families benefit from the most current, research-based intervention strategies.

We are also proud to offer support from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who works closely with students to address behavioral needs through Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). These supports are designed to promote positive outcomes and overall student success.

In addition to working with students, our team is available to share resources and strategies with families and community members.

PACE (Providing Alternative Choices in Education)

Designed for students in grades 9-12 who:

• Exhibit behaviors that interfere with their learning and disrupt the educational environment
• Have emotional needs that place them at risk for behavioral challenges and academic failure
• Demonstrate aggressive behaviors within school settings
• Are disengaged from the educational experience and struggle to build positive social relationships with peers and/or adults
• Require additional support in developing life skills and planning for their future