Bridge School (California)

The Bridge School is a non-profit organization in Hillsborough, California for children with severe speech and physical impairments. It aims to allow the children to achieve full participation in their communities through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technologies (AT). The school was founded by Pegi Young, Jim Forderer and Dr. Marilyn Buzolich in 1986, it has since become a world recognized leader in AAC and AT.

The Bridge School was founded by Pegi Young, Jim Forderer and speech and language pathologist, Dr. Marilyn Buzolich. Pegi Young was inspired to start the school after she was unable to find a suitable school placement for her non-verbal son, Ben Young, who has cerebral palsy . The school opened in 1987 after funds were raised from the 1st Annual Bridge School Benefit concert in 1986. The first student graduated from the school in 1991. A permanent building was constructed for the school on the campus of North Elementary School in 1995 and affords students at the school the opportunity to participate in the general education environment. In 1997, a Teacher in Residence program was established, bringing teachers from countries where the use of AAC and AT is still in its infancy to the school for a year-long placement. This program has since brought teachers from India, Poland, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea and South Africa among other countries. The school opened its preschool program in 2003.

The school has a transitional model and aims to transition all students back to their home districts and is not intended to be a permanent school placement. One of its core beliefs is that educators, families and students must all work collaboratively to allow learning to be effective and families of the students are heavily involved in learning, students are also encouraged to actively participate in their own learning. The school uses technology as a tool for learning and believes that everyone who requires it should have access to a 'holistic communication system'. The use of multi-modal communication is encouraged, encompassing vocalisations, body language, eye contact and gestures as well AAC and AT. The main purpose of the program is to provide children with an effective means of communication and allow children to express themselves. The school employs special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, assistive technologists and instructional assistants.

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