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Functional Living Skills Program

Multnomah ESD Functional Living Skills Program (FLS) assists local school districts to provide a continuum of educational services to students who have multiple and severe disabilities, from kindergarten to 21.

What is the focus of the program?

• Functional Academics
• Communication & Social Skill Development Skills
• Personal Management
• Community Living Skills
• Per-vocational Skills
• Transition from School Age to Adult

Who is eligible to receive services from FLS?

• Students referred typically have significantly low cognitive ability, learning style differences, and processing issues that interfere greatly with his/her ability to perform academically. 
• Students enrolled in the FLS Program must have current statement(s) of eligibility and necessary supporting documentation as proof of the student’s need for Special Education services.

Tell me about the Referral Process.

• Local school district teams determine whether or not an MESD/FLS program may best serve a student’s educational needs.

Is student criteria considered?

• Student educational and/or vocational needs, age, level of disabilities, resident school district and other determiners are used to place students in specific FLS programs and locations that will benefit them the most.

Where are services delivered?

• Services are delivered in self-contained classrooms in public school settings and specially designed programs in MESD owned and operated buildings. The community provides opportunities for students to interact with the general population and a training ground for students to implement skills learned in the classroom.

Who delivers instruction and support to students?

• Oregon Licensed Special Education Teachers, Licensed Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists, Instructional Consultant, Behavioral Consultant, over 100 educational, related service, and health assistants, employment technicians, and educational administrators provide support to students in the FLS Program.

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Program Overview

The Functional Living Skills (FLS) program of Multnomah Education Service District has been providing services to Multnomah County students who qualify for special education services since 1974.  During the 2007-08 school year, FLS has served approximately 200 students from seven of the eight Multnomah County school districts.  Students in the FLS Program have multiple disabilities.  Most students have severe cognitive impairments and the majority of students are non-verbal.  Students are served in self-contained classrooms that are located in regular public schools in our component school districts.  Depending on student needs, some students are served in MESD owned and operated buildings.

Functional Living Skills/Alternative Program

Students who are enrolled in this program represent a distinct population of students who present difficult and challenging behaviors. These students, many with Autism Spectrum Disorder, lack social, behavioral and communication skills required for success in a regular FLS class.  Those enrolled in this program exhibit behaviors that are so severe they require a 1:1 staffing or in some cases, 2:1. Many of these students continue to require a highly structured routine to be successful in a learning environment. A major focus is on behavior control; therefore, formal plans are developed to support individual students to be able to manage their own behaviors and function in a more independent manner in a less restrictive environment. Community outings are carefully planned and activities are executed according to Individual Education Programs of students.   Some students are served in public schools throughout Multnomah County school districts and some are served in MESD owned/operated buildings.   

Functional Living Skills Program
Arata Creek Behavioral Health

Students who have severe behaviors, limited cognitive skills and mental health issues are offered opportunities to participate in the educational program of FLS Behavioral Health. Students in this program require a higher staff to student ratio and generally display a higher functioning level both academically and cognitively as compared to the regular FLS Program.  Students who are enrolled in this program are able to benefit from a regular curriculum and social skills development program modified to meet their social and emotional needs and cognitive abilities.    Focus in this program is on behavioral health, strategies for self-control, self-esteem, basic academics, independent living and socially, appropriate communication skills.

Functional Living Skills:  Transition Program ( ages 18 - 21)

During the school year of 2007-08, the Functional Living Skills Transition component of the program has served over 50 students. This component of the program assists students and families to map out a course for the future.  Although transition meetings begin at age 14, students begin preparation for adult life in a more organized and formalized manner at age 18. Discussions are held to promote movement from school to post-secondary activities that may include vocational training, employment, independent living, leisure and recreation and community participation. Individual Education Programs identify current and future needs.