Our Students
On average, we have 100 students enrolled at Clifford Bowey School each year. Students range in age from 4 to 21 years. In addition to having a developmental disability, the majority of students require programming support from qualified professionals for their multiple exceptionalities (Autism, blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, communication, and physical challenges).
Our Staff
Many Clifford Bowey Public School’s staff have specialized training in sign language, CPR, First Aid, and behaviour management. Our professional support staff consists of a psychological associate, learning support consultant, speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurse, nutritionist, and itinerant teachers for students who are blind/low vision and/or deaf/hard of hearing.
Under the direction of the vice-principal, two educational assistants with National Lifeguard qualifications plan and provide instruction for the learn-to-swim program in our therapeutic, wheelchair-accessible pool. One educational assistant is dedicated to providing students with work place experiences in the community, as well as on site experience. To support and enhance learning opportunities in the community, two buses and drivers transport our students to a variety of locations throughout the city to take part in activities that foster growth in life skills, socialization and community living.
Our Community
In 1983, the school board entered into an agreement with the City of Ottawa to build a therapeutic, wheelchair-accessible pool to serve the needs of the community and its students.
School Council members meet on a regular basis to provide leadership to our school community. Members participate in community-based and school-based activities. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education’s Parental Involvement initiative, members consult with the community, plan, and raise funds for the benefit of the school community.
Community businesses and associations, such as the Ottawa Food Bank and the Salvation Army, provide work experience and job training opportunities for some of our students.
Clifford Bowey Public School has been fortunate to have been awarded monetary grants to assist with the purchase of highly specialized equipment through the generosity of associations and business such as TELUS, Metro Green Apple Grant, The Community Foundation, Senators Foundation, Lions Club, City of Ottawa, and “Team Depot” of Home Depot. Organizations such as S’Cool Life Fund, The Ottawa Citizen Literacy Foundation, the Education Foundation, MASC, Ottawa Network for Education, and Breakfast for Learning have donated generously to our school.
Facilities and Resources
- Bright, well-equipped classrooms and adapted washrooms
- Therapeutic wheelchair-accessible swimming pool
- Specialized play areas, equipment adapted for wheelchairs, adapted bicycles and tricycles
- Commercial kitchen, Life Skills Room, Movement and Music Room, greenhouse, and gymnasium
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms
- Fitness area with treadmills and a recumbent bike
- Accessible on-site fitness trail
- Library containing adapted books and toys, as well as themed resource materials for classroom use
- Multi-sensory/therapeutic relaxation “Snoezelen” room
- Variety of work experience opportunities and venues (recycling, can crushing, life skills room, greenhouse, car wash)
- Buses and drivers transport students to various community activities and workplace experience locations