Physical Campus
Wheelchair-accessible throughout, sensory-friendly spaces, adjustable furniture, clear wayfinding signage with Braille and tactile maps.
Accessibility
Access isn't an add-on. It's the foundation.
At Common Grounds, accessibility is woven into the physical campus, the curriculum, the technology, and the culture. Every decision starts with the question: can everyone participate fully?
Our Accessibility Plan
Common Grounds was designed from the ground up as a universally accessible school. We don't retrofit — we build right the first time. Our plan addresses physical access, instructional access, communication access, and social-emotional access across every part of the student experience.
Instructional Design
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in every classroom. Multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
Assistive Technology
Screen readers, speech-to-text, adaptive keyboards, and alt-input devices available school-wide — not just for students with IEPs.
Communication Access
ASL interpreters on staff, real-time captioning in assemblies, multilingual materials, and plain-language versions of all documents.
504 & IEP Support
We work closely with New York's Committee on Special Education (CSE) to ensure every student with a disability receives the services and accommodations they're entitled to. Our dedicated support team manages the process so families don't have to navigate it alone.
IEP Development
Collaborative, student-centered IEP meetings with teachers, families, and the student. Annual reviews and transition planning starting in 9th grade.
504 Plans
For students who need accommodations but not specialized instruction. We ensure every 504 plan is actively implemented, not just filed.
Related Services
Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more — provided on-site during the school day.
DASA Compliance
Common Grounds fully complies with New York's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). We maintain a proactive, prevention-focused approach to bullying, harassment, and discrimination — with a trained DASA coordinator, annual staff training, and student-led awareness campaigns.
Every student has the right to a safe, supportive environment. We take that right seriously.
Language Access
We use New York's "Multilingual Learner" framework to support students whose home language is not English. Rather than treating language diversity as a barrier, we treat it as a strength.
ENL Services
English as a New Language instruction integrated into core classes, with dedicated ENL periods for newcomers.
Translated Materials
Key documents, report cards, and family communications available in the top languages spoken by our school community.
Interpretation Services
On-demand phone and in-person interpretation for parent meetings, IEP conferences, and school events.
Transportation
All school transportation is fully accessible, including wheelchair-accessible buses and trained aides for students who need them. Routes are designed in partnership with families to minimize travel time.