The BEARS Bonanza brought together more than 90 students from 8 BEARS classrooms across WSWHE BOCES (6 of which are not in the same building) in a celebration of diversity, creativity, and inclusivity. Using the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children) method, students are encouraged to independently explore 8 stations that are not only fun but also designed to engage their senses and provide meaningful experiences.
BEARS is the acronym for BOCES Educating Autistic and Related Disorders Students. This program is designed to support students with autism spectrum disorders, along with those who experience multi-sensory or motor deficiencies, as well as developmental delays in language, cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor areas. BEARS serves students from kindergarten through grade 12 and up to age 21, helping them to reach their full potential through individualized care and a supportive learning environment.
The event provides BEARS students an opportunity to interact with their peers, which will be especially relevant as the Future Focused Facilities project will bring all Exceptional Learners from three locations on one campus in Fall 2027.
From crafting, navigating an obstacle course, exploring robots and enjoying face painting, students had a chance to explore their creativity and challenge themselves in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.
WSWHE BOCES Coordinator of Special Programs Olivia Harrison, the event organizer, says, “the success of the BEARS Bonanza wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative effort of many dedicated staff members.”
The stations were run by related services providers, art and physical education teachers and two WSWHE BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Early Childhood Education and Small Animal Science. School to Work students were mentors for the BEARS students.
Committee on Special Education (CSE) Chairpersons from WSWHE BOCES component school districts were invited to the event. They received passports and stamps at each station, making the experience both fun and engaging.
“I am excited that representatives from our districts were again able to get a firsthand glimpse into their students’ learning experience,” says Harrison.
Students in the Early Childhood Education program host the craft station for the day. It is especially relevant since these students have a unit in their curriculum on special education. They cover multiple disabilities both physical and cognitive. They do research about special education and give a presentation to their classmates at the end of the school year. Giving them the experience of working with autistic students during the BEARS Bonanza enhances their presentations.
“For my students to learn that special education students have the ability to complete an activity with assistance is very valuable. They are able to see for themselves that autistic students can do an activity, just in their own way,” says Instructor Shannon Bitzer.
The unit also covers how to be successful as a teacher and understanding what kind of accommodations they may need to provide.
Hazel Herring, a senior from Saratoga Springs who participated in the BEARS Bonanza last year, says, “I am excited to participate again. I learned to have more patience by working with the students during the event. If I get into teaching, I would choose special education. It was really eye-opening to see that when we were doing the craft, everyone used their own creative abilities.”
Since animals can be regulating for students with autism, it made perfect sense to the organizers to tap into the Small Animal Science program. Three seniors in the program, supervised by Instructor Carter Stevens, hosted a petting zoo consisting of a cat, rabbit, bearded dragon, and dog. Each animal is at a separate table, in close proximity to one another. The station can be interactive through petting or BEARS students can choose to just look from afar. It opens the door for them to interact with the CTE students and tell them about their animals at home.
Instructor Carter Stevens says the BEARS Bonanza teaches her students about inclusivity and acceptance. It also highlights the human-animal bond.
“Animals have an incredible way of sensing needs and responding with gentleness and loyalty, creating bonds that words can't fully explain. My students share this passion and were excited to be a part of the BEARS event,” says Stevens.
The BEARS Bonanza brings Exceptional Learners and CTE students together in a way that reflects WSWHE BOCES’ Future Focused for All Students vision. “It’s an opportunity for connection, learning, and inclusion across programs,” Harrison said.
For more photos of the day, visit the WSWHE BOCES Facebook page.