Announcing The Bridge School Memorabilia Shop

Now’s your chance to purchase authentic Bridge School Benefit Concert merchandise! 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit The Bridge School’s programs.

Crosby Stills Nash and Young on stage at The Bridge School Benefit Concert 2013

Welcome to The Bridge School

Explore The Bridge School Model to learn about who we are, what we believe, and ways you can contribute to the ongoing programs and activities that move our students closer to a life without barriers to education, participation and communication.

A group photo of the students and staff at the Bridge School

We have openings for eligible students aged 3 – 5 years!

If you’re looking for an educational program for your child, view our admissions criteria and explore our preschool program.

Welcome to The Bridge School

Explore The Bridge School Model to learn about who we are, what we believe, and ways you can contribute to the ongoing programs and activities that move our students closer to a life without barriers to education, participation and communication.

A group photo of the students and staff at the Bridge School
An image of a teacher holding a card up to a student. The card has images and the letters a, m, t, p on it, each letter corresponding to one of the images

Communicative Competence

Communicative Competence is considered an urgent, priority skill area for Bridge School students because proficiency with AAC/AT tools and communication strategies creates access, participation, motivation, and achievement in all curricular areas. AAC incorporates each student’s full communication abilities and may include any existing speech, vocalizations, or gestures, as well as the use of communication boards and Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA). In this section, we describe how we address the full range of communication modes and technologies as our students participate in ongoing instructional activities and social interactions.

Self-Determination

The Bridge School Self-Determination Program provides students with the necessary tools and supports to become causal agents in their own lives through informed decision-making, thoughtful planning and persistent action to achieve their goals.

Image of a child interacting with an AAC device while a teacher looks on
Image of a child looking at an AAC device with several letters displayed on it and the letter g is highlighted

Cortical Visual Impairment and AAC

The Bridge School team of teachers and SLPs are guided in the ongoing creation and implementation of CVI educational materials, teaching strategies, and AAC and AT accommodations that support a Bridge School student’s development of language and communication within an educational setting.

An innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through the use of:

  • Creative approaches to education and communication
  • Augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology
  • Extensive involvement of families and community

Explore The Bridge School Model to learn about who we are, what we believe, and ways you can contribute to the ongoing programs and activities that move our students closer to a life without barriers to education, participation and communication.

The Bridge School is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Federal Identification Number: 95-4068784

The Bridge School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of students, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our student population, staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.

The students, families, staff and Board of Directors are pleased to share the exciting things happening at The Bridge School. Enjoy the energy and spirit that shines through the faces of our students and embrace the strength and wisdom that is reflected in the contributions of our staff.

Dr. Vicki R. Casella
Executive Director
Image of a teacher holding the letters n and y in separate hands while a student holds her hand over the n

Helping Children Find Their Voice

Communication and education are the keys to developing a self confident, participating member of society.

Image of a child looking sideways at an AAC device

Life Long Learning

Equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and continuing education are the keystones to life long learning.

Image of two adults sitting with a child. The child is wearing a hearing aid and is communicating through sign language with one of the adults

Building Global Communities

Building professional capacity enriches the education and communication for children and adults throughout the world.

Image of a child in a wheelchair looking at an AAC device that has several images on it. An image of a smiling face is highlighted

Ways to Support

Your charitable donation makes a significant difference in the level of support we are able to provide to children and their families locally, nationally and globally.

Recent News

  • CVI Webinar #9 – Archive Available
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    CVI Webinar #9 – Archive Available

    Effective Interaction Strategies for Children with Cortical Visual Impairment and Complex Communication Needs In previous webinars, we have talked about the impact of Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) on children with Complex Communication Needs (CCN), how to identify them, assess and accommodate the environment and the materials we use with them; and although we have talked…

  • Kyung Im Han Teacher in Residence (TIR)

    Kyung Im Han Teacher in Residence (TIR)

    I have published articles as well as educated special education teachers, parents with children with disabilities and my undergraduate and graduate students about AAC. In 2011, only a few people knew about AAC in South Korea but many more teachers and parents are interested in AAC nowadays.  Many teachers and parents want to know AAC…

  • Communication Awareness
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    Communication Awareness

    Talking with Technology October is the official Communication Awareness month, but Communication Awareness at The Bridge School is EVERY month. We share a location with North Elementary School in Hillsborough and our students attend classes and events with North students and staff.  Recently two of our students, who are on the North School Student Council, gave…

  • Register today for the 2023 AAC by the Bay Conference
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    Register today for the 2023 AAC by the Bay Conference

    Early bird registration open for Onsite attendees and Webcast Hosting Sites Thanks to the generosity of Cisco Systems, we are pleased to announce that registration is open for The Bridge School’s 2023 AAC By the Bay Conference: It Takes a Village.  This year, finally, we are hosting the conference on-site at the Cisco Executive Conference…

  • Beyond Bridge
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    Beyond Bridge

    The Bridge School is always interested in sharing information that highlights events, projects, and performances as well as breakthroughs in research, intervention strategies and opportunities for children and adults who have physical impairments.  Daryl Hannah, one of our Board of Directors, sent this choreographed performance for us to share.  Enjoy!  View this post on Instagram…

  • Make an impact!
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    Make an impact!

    Millions of people in the world have speech and language disabilities that make communication difficult. Therefore, it is critical to remind others that accessibility includes communication. Communication Access is about what you can do to communicate effectively. Personalize the “Accessibility Includes Communication” flyer and share with others tips on how they can interact and communicate…

Latest Updates and Information on COVID-19

The Bridge School is working closely with the Hillsborough City School District and with the San Mateo County Health Department and the County Office of Education in terms of monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are keeping abreast with the situation and as new information is received, will be posted here.

COVID-19 Prevention Program for The Bridge School [PDF, 1.5 MB] Updated 09/26/2023