A BOY AND HIS DOG -
GERSH ACADEMY HELPS MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE
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(Hauppauge, NY - March 18, 2010) - The bond between a boy and his dog is precious. The bond between an autistic boy and his service dog is life-altering. Imagine an educational institution which will not allow a child to bring his autism service dog to school. Imagine then another school - Gersh Academy in Hauppauge - which believes that this experience is "amazing" for the boy and the entire educational community.
 On his 10th birthday Milo Vaccaro received a gift that would change his life forever - an autism service dog named Chad. Chad is a yellow Labrador retriever trained by Autism Service Dogs of America in Oregon. Milo's autism has impaired his ability to communicate and to form social bonds. Almost immediately after Chad arrived in the family's Manhattan home, Milo's mother, Claire Vaccaro, noticed enormous changes in her son. "Milo has made more progress with Chad than anyone ever thought was even imaginable," stated Ms. Vaccaro. "He's much calmer. He can concentrate for much longer periods of time. It's almost like a cloud has lifted and the sun is shining."
Chad has made a tremendous impact on Milo's life particularly in the school setting. Milo and Chad transitioned to the Hauppauge Campus of Gersh Academy in September 2009. Milo's former school in Manhattan refused to allow Milo to bring Chad into the academic setting. Gersh Academy embraced the idea wholeheartedly. "Gersh Academy recognized all that we had gone through to get Chad for Milo. They also really understood all that Milo has endured in his life and why it was so important to his Mom and doctors for Milo to have Chad by his side," described Ms. Vaccaro. "Milo has always had a lot of anxiety and has never liked going to school. From the first moment that we visited the Hauppauge Campus of Gersh Academy, Milo has loved it there."
With Chad by his side, Milo is learning how to reach his full potential academically, socially, and emotionally at Gersh Academy. "Through the school's unique educational philosophy that incorporates a broad and balanced curriculum including academic, life skills, and social education, Milo is able to take on challenges, learning to overcome obstacles, and gaining confidence from his successes," described Irene Bradley, Gersh Academy site director. "Our process allows Milo and all Gersh Academy students to develop a love for learning so they may fully enjoy their family, community, and all that life has to offer."
"Chad has a calming and soothing personality that provides Milo with an abundance of joy and companionship. In rare instances when Milo feels upset at school, he gives Chad a great big hug and usually returns to whatever task he was working on," stated Ms. Bradley. "It is clear that Milo's relationship with Chad has become a powerful metaphor for cooperation and trust."
In addition to having a profound impact on Milo's education, Chad's presence has positively impacted the lives of the other students at Gersh Academy as well. All of the students participate in "play time" at the end of each Physical Education class and also at the end of the day. During this time, the students are welcomed by Milo to assist in caring for Chad - leading to a common focus of attention. "Chad's friendly demeanor opens up many opportunities for bonding and socialization with Milo and his peers," described Ms. Bradley. "Chad also provides Milo and the rest of the students on campus with a sense of purpose and responsibility."
About Gersh Academy
Gersh Academy - located in Hauppauge and Glen Oaks - offers New York State curriculum-based programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade who have been diagnosed with a neurobiological and/or autism spectrum disorders. Gersh Academy is dedicated to creating a dynamic partnership between home, school, and community. The Gersh Team understands, accepts, and supports children and teens by teaching them the way they learn. The goal is to develop the whole child and to teach him/her skills for everyday living. Gersh Academy's nurturing environment offers students the opportunity to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Sheryl Kleven, 631.427.3342, skleven@gershacademy.org, or visit www.gershacademy.org.
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