The programs for students with mental handicaps provide a variety of experiences for them to become as independent as possible.  At the elementary level, the emphasis for students with mild and moderate mental handicaps focuses on academic and social skills.  The students with profound mental handicaps are provided environments rich in socialization, choice-making (with the use of assistive technology) and self help skills.

As the students progress to middle school, a greater emphasis is placed on community awareness, on-campus work training, and social skills.  Once the students reach high school age, the focus shifts to career and community preparation for school to work opportunities.  The community is used as a classroom for hands-on learning experiences.  Students may have an opportunity to work in the community with a job coach, if necessary, and become gainfully employed.

M-DCPS contracts with community agencies that provide on-site work training experiences for students.  The agencies provide work training with eventual job placement in the community, if appropriate.

Students in programs for the orthopedically impaired receive educational services in whatever setting is appropriate for them based upon their physical and intellectual abilities.  These settings range from self contained classrooms to general education classrooms with assistance and are available to students in grades K - 12.  Often the students receive occupational and physical therapy.

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