The Bridges Program is a one-year flexible and highly individualized pathway program offered at W. Ross Macdonald School. The Bridges Program has been designed to support the unique challenges that can be encountered by students who are blind or partially sighted who are planning on attending a post-secondary institution (college or university) the following calendar year.  

The Bridges Program is based on the unique individual learning needs of students with visual impairments to support their goal of a positive transition from secondary school to their chosen post-secondary destinations. 

Students in the Bridges Program will have opportunities to continue to develop their academics by taking additional credit courses. However, students in the Bridges Program are strongly encouraged to consider taking a spare in one or both semesters. This will provide students with flexibility for completing course work (including the dual credit course), scheduling of Expanded Core Curriculum lessons and support, and opportunities for ‘down-time’ that reflects the realities of a post-secondary education program.

The focus of this program is designed to develop students' independent living skills deemed essential for success at post-secondary (and life). The on-campus residence housing units at W. Ross Macdonald School provide students with an ideal “home-away-from-home” to integrate previously learned living/apartment skills and to practice new skills in a supportive environment with the goal of both interdependence and independence. 

The opportunities in the Bridges Program include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Dual credit courses (earn a college and high school credit) at Conestoga and Mohawk College
• Experience connecting with a college’s Student Accessibility Services Office
• Co-operative education opportunities
• Guidance support - including tours, program research, and application assistance
• Interdisciplinary Studies Course(s) designed specifically for future post-secondary students
• Integrated Orientation and Mobility instruction for independent “off campus” travel
• Apartment skills opportunities to use these skills in a “dormitory style” environment on the campus of W. Ross Macdonald School. This includes an extended block of time living independently with a “roommate” designed to simulate living in post-secondary residence
• Opportunities to complete any courses required to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and/or prerequisite course(s) needed for a post-secondary program

Application Process:

Interested students should complete the online student application for the Bridges Program to begin the process. Once the application has been completed, WRMS staff will contact the student’s District School Board and parents/guardians to arrange a preliminary tour and/or trial visit at W. Ross Macdonald School.  
 
For additional details regarding the application process or information on the program please contact Dan Maggiacomo for more information.