Typing

Imagine Academy has an exciting and enriching partnership with Daniel Orliesvky, the creator of the Phaedrus Approach for typed communication, to provide our students with trained support in using iPad applications and keyboards to increase regulation, focused attention, and two-way purposeful communication through another mode beyond their verbal language or augmentative devices. This system pairs well with our use of the DIR/Floortime approach to continue relationship building, create safety and security, and expand on and open circles of communication with our students.

The program involves 3 levels that guide our students on the path to more complex and functional expression.

Level 1 involves using engaging cause and effect apps (e.g., Fluidity, Injini) to increase regulation, pointing and scanning skills, and other purposeful and imitative actions.

Level 2 is centered on building literacy skills in non-traditional, student-led ways by increasing knowledge of letters and the form of words using preferred/functional vocabulary and applications (e.g., Special Words, Spellsense).

Level 3 is the ultimate goal where our students learn to type as another mode of expression where objectives include acceptance of extensions to expand on thoughts and phrases and tying them to emotional content to initiate topics, connect abstract thoughts, and create permanent products of internal drives and feelings that can lead to deeper relationships and understanding of what our students are experiencing and needing in their lives.

Meet the Faculty

Maria Astorga

Director of Floortime

B.S., Psychology, B.S., Educational Psychology, DIR/Floortime Practitioner

Hear From Our Parents

Imagine has developed a uniquely integrative approach that combines creatively what are usually seen as the two leading competing methods Applied Behavioral Therapy and DIR/Floortime. Imagine offers the very best in Speech, Occupational and Music Therapy. The various components work beautifully together so that the whole is even greater than the sum of its individually excellent parts.”

Alla W.

Imagine Academy Parent

“…They work together to understand our children’s learning style and needs, they have no agenda other than helping the kids learn and grow. Everyone shows competence and care that goes beyond the school day to give families the support needed at home and with everyday issues or emergencies.”

Frederique M.

Imagine Academy Parent

Imagine Academy has been a gift to my son and my entire family. Having been one of the first students enrolled in the school when it opened 14 years ago, Philip has grown up with the love, devotion and respect from the entire Imagine staff. Year after year, the focus has always been on giving him so many opportunities to become the best person that he was meant to be. We will forever be grateful to this school.

Heather D.

Imagine Academy Parent