Special Class in Child Development

In November 1961, the O’Leary Branch of the P.E.l. Division Canadian Association for Mental Retardation had the initiative to establish a class in O’Leary for the mentally handicapped. Mrs. Beverley (MacGregor) Boates, who had taken special training for this work, was engaged as teacher. The first classes were held on a part- time basis in the‘basement of O’Leary Public School. There were six children enrolled.

When the first extension to O’Leary Regional High School was completed in 1962, there was provision for excellent facilities for the mentally handicapped. A large class area with cupboards and a self- contained washroom were provided. Enrollment increased to eleven from the regional high school district and Audrey MacDonald was engaged to assist Mrs. Boates. A continuous progress system with activity centres was effectively utilized within the team-teaching arrangement. As time progressed more students were integrated for music, physical education, home economics, and related school activities such as concerts and field trips.

With the opening of Hernewood Junior High School in 1975, the class was divided into two divisions. Children of elementary school age remained at O'Leary Regional High School with Audrey MacDonald as their teacher. The older children were transferred to Hernewood with Beverley Boates as teacher.

In 1979, when the regional high building became O’Leary Consolidated Elementary School, the class became part of the ele- mentary administration. Since that time major advances include the following: system of home basing has been implemented, integration and mainstreaming of students whenever possible, special education teacher and classroom serve as resource for special education in the school, more teaching resources have been added including comput- er and Individual Education Plans (l.E.P.) are being written for the

more severely disabled. Sheltered Workshop

Another community effort has established a Sheltered Workshop in O’Leary which provides training for the adult mentally handi- capped. It became known as Maple House Inc. In May 1970, a home on Gaspé Road was purchased and classes began with Mr. and Mrs. Roy MacDowell providing care and training.

In 1972 a new building was opened on the same lot. Soon there- after the MacDowells retired and Mr. and Mrs. Clair Currie took over the operation in September 1973. Clair holds the position as manag-

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