D93 introduces new program for students with learning disabilities

For years, students with learning disabilities in Idaho would graduate with their peers when they were 18, and then return to school and retake classes until they’re 21. Bonneville School District 93 is hoping to change that with a new program for students with learning disabilities ages 18-21.

“What we’re going to do here is we are going to bring them over to teach them life skills. Cooking, cleaning, things that they need to become more independent on their own,” said Heather Gerard, the program’s coordinator for District 93.

Gerard said the program is geared towards students who probably won’t ever be able to live completely independently. The hope is with the skills the students learn, they’re caretakers or parents will have fewer stresses in life.

“We are going to change children’s lives with this program. This program is going to enrich their lives in ways that it’s never been enriched before,” said Gerard.

D93 will hold the new program at the old Campbell gym in Idaho Falls just off Channing Way.

The building is old, but the school district has seen a lot of help from local businesses. Sam’s Club, Lowes, Knife River, and other businesses have all donated man hours and items to help the school get the facility up and running.

“We couldn’t have done it without their help,” said Gerard.