Located in Westville, New Jersey, Archbishop Damiano School has a rich history rooted in a mission of inclusivity and support for children with disabilities. The school was founded in 1965 when Archbishop Damiano, the Bishop of Camden, invited five Brothers from Ireland to establish an institution dedicated to educating children with Down Syndrome. At that time, children with disabilities in the United States did not have the right to an education, making this initiative both pioneering and essential.
The school’s journey began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a place where every student, regardless of their abilities, could thrive and receive the education they deserve. Over the years Archbishop Damiano School has grown and evolved, now serving over 135 students with multiple disabilities. The school offers individualized and inclusive special education programs and therapies for students aged 3 to 21.
Caleb DeFilippo, the school’s IT specialist, shared with Funds For Learning how the E-rate program has been beneficial to the school.
“I think one of the biggest things that we’ve done is with the use of iPads,” he said. “A lot of our students, we’ve been able to put communication apps onto those, and that’s become huge. Having students that are non-verbal, being able to really have that voice for the first time is awesome.”
The story of Archbishop Damiano School is a testament to the transformative power of education and technology in fostering inclusivity. By continually embracing innovative tools like iPads and communication apps, the school has empowered its students, giving them a voice and the ability to express themselves. This commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of its students ensures that Archbishop Damiano School remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for children with disabilities, demonstrating that with the right support, every child can succeed.
