Special Needs Resources section
FINDING SUCCESS IN CHANGE WITH
ACCEL and The BISTÅ Center By Justin Liggin
WHEN IT COMES to special education,
2020 presented significant obstacles for educators, parents and students. In the face of adversity, organizations like ACCEL and The BISTÅ Center rose above the challenges and worked together to adapt to the uncertainties of the future. ACCEL, a nonprofit organization serving students who have developmental disabilities, and The BISTÅ Center, a department of ACCEL and applied behavior analysis (ABA) agency specializing in early intervention services
creating an individualized experience for
remember that open communication
for children who have developmental
students. This meant utilizing measures
between parents, the kids and their
disabilities and behavioral disorders,
like telehealth consultations for BISTÅ
teachers is vital for creating a rewarding
encouraged unity with students, staff and
families, preparing custom learning
educational experience for children.
parents to create a fulfilling experience for
materials for ACCEL students available for
all despite the challenges 2020 presented.
pick up by parents and more.
With many of ACCEL and The
And now as the 2021 school begins,
“Parents should keep good communication with the teacher about how their child is feeling. Everyone
BISTÅ Center’s students requiring detailed
ACCEL and BISTÅ continue their focus
should have grace for each other. It’s
instruction and in-person interaction with
on personalized learning experiences
hard for everyone but it’s the hardest for
staff, the most challenging part of adjusting
providing their students the opportunity
the students, so we must do what is best
to the pandemic was in the transition to a
to re-engage as in-person learning resumes.
for the student and ease them back in,”
virtual learning environment.
to stay engaged despite the changes in the
says Sierra Brown, a special education
organization’s day-to-day proceedings.
teacher at ACCEL.
“Students with cognitive and physical disabilities benefit from in-person
“As more and more adults and young
For younger students, like those
interaction with staff. Moving virtually
people are getting vaccinated, staff and
who attend The BISTÅ Center, this
posed the challenges of ensuring the
students are eager to jump back in and
communication is equally important for
benefits of our in-person model provided
safely attend school again while remaining
getting students adjusted to a new school
virtually,” says Jon Evans principal of
mindful of the pandemic and the problems
setting says Emily Nuño, assistant director
ACCEL’s Metro Campus.
it presents,” said Evans.
of The BISTÅ Center.
ACCEL and BISTA embraced safe
As families make the transition back
For more information about ACCEL
practices while remaining dedicated to
to in-person learning, it is important to
and their programs, visit www.accel.org
26 September 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com
