Achieving Transition Goals Through School-Based Enterprise

three students with autism seated at a table together selling hot pretzels - Watson Institute

Students with disabilities in the Cupples Center classrooms at the Education Center Sewickley work to build the skills necessary to prepare for their transition into adulthood. One of the ways […]

WISCA Students Develop Vocational Skills for Employment

Two Watson Institute WISCA students prepare coffee orders for their in-school jobs

Helping students prepare to transition into adulthood is an important tenet of the Watson Institute’s mission. Teaching vocational, life, and social skills can help students with autism and other exceptionalities […]

In-School Trauma Response Partnership

student artwork displayed from in-school trauma response program - Watson Institute

At the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy, elementary, middle, and high school students face the same challenges that many of their peers face: pressures to fit in and to keep up […]

What Makes an “All-Star” Teacher?

image of all star special education teacher at Watson Institute

Educators play an integral role in the personal and academic development of youth. This past year in particular educators went above and beyond to ensure their students were still able […]

Mental Health Supports in School

partial hospitalization mental health support in schools - Watson Institute

Students with exceptionalities, particularly mental health challenges, may have difficulty thriving in a traditional school setting. Without access to intensive mental health supports in school, students may struggle to balance their […]

Friendship Academy Students Thrive in Blended Learning Model

friendship academy student learning with teacher via a SmartBoard in the classroom - Watson Institute

As the school day begins, students wait patiently in their buses outside of Friendship Academy while staff assemble to greet them and escort them to their classrooms. Students attend school […]

Supporting Parents of Children with Special Needs

virtual parents support groups - Watson Institute

At the Watson Institute, we share the goal of our students’ parents – helping their child succeed. We know that in order for our students to be successful, we also […]