Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 3, 1993                   TAG: 9305270519
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL CLOSING; SERVICES SHIFTED ELSEWHERE

The occupational school is being phased out as an educational center for students with various mental and physical disabilities. The facility becomes the new home of the county school administration this summer. Remaining students and staff will go on to other schoo1s.

State and federal requirements that disabled students have contact with the regular student population are bringing about the closing of the Roanoke County Occupational School, said Principal Larry Shouse. It marks the end of center-based services in the county, even for those students with severe disorders.

Shouse said the process of phasing out the school began three years ago. Many students already have moved to special education classes at other county schools.

"The feedback we're getting is positive. There were a lot of fears, but the best we can tell, those fears have been laid to rest," he said.

Shouse said reaction from parents has been mixed.

"We will all miss the family atmosphere and closeness here that makes the school special. The love and care our people have for these kids is strong."

All students attending the school are disabled. Some have physical handicaps that prevent them from attending school in regular classrooms. Others require special education programs for learning disabilities. A few are severely disabled, requiring medical and other services.

"The regular student population is going to be the one to benefit - our kids teach much about love," said Shouse.

He said he thinks integrating disabled students into regular schools will result in more services for the handicapped.

"Exposure of regular students and regular teachers to these special kids will educate them about the special needs of disabled people."

Shouse admits there are a few students who may have trouble adjusting. But, he believes, "The majority will be OK. The success stories we've had so far prove it."

For Shouse, who has worked at the school for more than 15 years, first as a teacher, then in administration, the closing will be a little difficult.

"It was always my goal to be here. It's been tough to see this program stop."

But Shouse's new untitled position will make the transition possible for others. In addition to managing programs for disabled students, Shouse will work with federal, state and local agencies to design services for any county student needing special services. He also will work with parents and teachers in establishing educational plans for students.

"My job is going to be kind of a clearinghouse." He said he accepts the challenge with hopes that the transition will be smoother for everyone involved.

Northside Junior and Senior high schools, Glenvar, Hidden Valley, Mount Pleasant and Mason's Cove will all accommodate students in the fall in special education classes. Shouse said individual educational plans for each student might enable some to enter regular classrooms. And other county schools may be included in the program after next year.