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Fenway Fusion House is a specialized program at Fenway High School, for students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, from ages 14-22.
What is Fusion House?
Fusion House is a program focused on functional academics, life skills, and person-centered transition planning for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We combine functional academics with hands-on learning in the arts, vocational training, physical education, and self-regulation all guided by the principles of social justice, anti-racism, and self-advocacy.
Just like fusion music blends different genres to create something bold and new, Fusion House combines diverse styles of teaching and learning to create something fresh at Fenway High School.
At the core of everything we do is Fenway’s motto:
Work Hard
Be Yourself
Do the Right Thing
We believe these values are essential to helping our students become confident, capable, and connected members of their communities.
Who Are We?
We are a unique infusion of student and staff talents. Our team includes educators with rich experience in the arts, vocation and specialized education. Our students bring curiosity, creativity, and individuality that shape everything we do.
What Makes Us Different?
What Makes Us Different?
From the start, Fusion House has focused on building a strong, collaborative educational team and a supportive classroom culture. We embrace trying new things and take pride in adapting our approach to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Our program blends:
Functional academics tied to entry-level and grade-level standards
Self-regulation and social-emotional learning
Life skills and transition planning
Prevocational experiences in real-world settings
Vocational training, internships, paid work experiences
The arts, especially music, visual arts and theatre
Physical education with a mind-body connection
Our Aspirations
We aim to grow into a truly transformative educational model not just for our students on the spectrum, but for the entire Fenway community. We believe inclusion, creativity, and student voice should be at the heart of public education.
We don’t just want to fit in. We want to fuse something new.
Fusion House Program Overview:
Fusion House is a specialized educational program designed to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program is divided into two classrooms, referred to as the Lower House and the Upper House, based on students’ age.
Lower House (Grades 9–12):
Taught by Ms. Lewis, this classroom supports high school-aged students with autism, focusing on functional academics, social-emotional development, and the foundational skills necessary for adult independence.Upper House (Transition, Ages 18–21):
Taught by Ms. Doherty, this classroom serves transition-age students with autism, emphasizing vocational training, independent living skills, self-advocacy, and community integration. The goal is to prepare students for life after high school by connecting them with real-world experiences and resources.
Meet the Fusion Staff
Ms. Doherty, M.Ed., Special Education Teacher
I have been working in the Boston Public Schools for 26 years. I started the Fusion House Program in 2019. In addition to being a teacher, I am a BPS graduate and parent. I am a proud mother of 2 boys. I enjoy playing blues/rock saxophone.
Ms. Lewis, M.Ed., Special Education Teacher
I have been working in the Boston Public Schools for 22 years. I have 3 amazing kids and I love teaching and spreading positive energy!
Ms. Aubourg, BCBA, Strand Specialist
I love data! I support Ms. Lewis and Ms. Doherty's class by creating behavior plans and collective data on academics and behaviors. I love tennis and ice cream!
Mr. Jorge
Paraprofessional
&
Guitarist
Ms. John
Paraprofessional
&
Vocalist
Ms. Beliza
Paraprofessional
&
Art Enthusiast
Ms. Adande
Paraprofessional
&
Dancer
Ms. Dora
Paraprofessional
&
Hair Stylist
Mr. James
ABA Specialist
&
World Travler
Mr. Shull
Speech and Language
Pathologist
ASL Translator
Mr. Dylengoski
Community Connections
Facilitator STRIVE Department
&
Tabogon Sledder
Jason Meade
Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
&
Coach
Dr. Geoff Walker
Head of School
&
Soccer Player
Maya Smith
Associate Head of School
&
2025 MSAA Assistant Principal of the Year
Community Partners & Classroom Businesses
Community Partners & Classroom Businesses
Fenway Fusion House has rich programming that enables our students to have a variety of experiences.
Green City Growers https://greencitygrowers.com
Green City Growers provides hands-on learning opportunities to thousands of students across more than 50 Boston Public Schools, charter schools, youth programs and more. Our programs developed by Programs and Education team incorporates science, language arts, art, math, social studies and social emotional learning in the garden. Green City Growers’ farmer educators are prepared to work with preschool, K-12 and special education students as well as youth organizations.
Access Sports America https://goaccess.org/
The mission of Acces Sport America is to inspire higher function and fitness for children and adults living with challenges and disabilities through high-challenge sports and training.
Open Door Arts https://opendoorartsma.org/
Open Door Arts (ODA) programs increase the representation of people with disabilities as employees, leaders, artists, and patrons in our cultural sector. They prepare students with disabilities to be the next generation of employees and leaders in cultural organizations.
ODA gallery showcases the work of artists with disabilities and engages people with disabilities in learning and art making And their cultural access training and tools support arts and culture organizations to make their policies, practices, programs and spaces more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities
Boston Art Club https://www.bostonartsclub.org/
Boston Arts Club believes the arts have the power to inspire, educate, and transform communities of all ages and all backgrounds.
Boston Arts Club was founded with a mission to advance the trajectory of a student's life. Our team contains a breadth and depth of knowledge to provide education programs for all abilities in an inclusive environment. We're proud to provide one of the only Adaptive Dance Programs at Boston Public Schools, and have many more impactful programs ahead.
ImpactAbility https://www.impactabilityusa.org/
IMPACTability fights for equal access to employment opportunities for college students with disabilities. We empower students to break through workforce barriers and open doors with our career readiness and mentoring programs.
Job Readiness Programs:
Goodwill https://www.goodwillmass.org/programs/
Goodwill’s workforce development programs offer help entering the workplace rapidly as well as case management and individualized support. For individuals with developmental disabilities, programs offer longer-term support to find and keep jobs. For unemployed, underemployed or individuals looking for a career change, Goodwill Boston Career Center is the right source for job search, training resources, and connections to employers looking to hire.
Wentworth Institute of Technology Training Program Strive
https://www.wentworthtrainingprogram.org/
This is an authentic work experience. Students are given job titles, work IDs, evaluations, and pay raises. This program sets high expectations for all learners, ensuring that our community-based partners receive the best of BPS.
Fenway Fusion House Curiosity Shop:
Fusion Flame Candle Shop
Fusion Fuel Coffee Shop
Fusion Finish Car Detailing
Fusion Fab Buttons Button and Bottle Opener Magnets
Fusion Personalized Vinyl Printing
Coming soon - laser engraved goods!
Resources
BPS Resource Links
BPS Resource Links
Resources Links
Information regarding door to door transportation
The Boston Public Schools’ Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Formally BPS Office of Special Education
Extended School Year (ESY) provides specialized services to students with disabilities as determined by the IEP Team. Eligibility is based on the need to prevent substantial regression and support recoupment, ensuring students continue making effective progress. ESY services are individualized and aligned with targeted IEP goals and objectives.
All students with disabilities are entitled to transition services from the age of 14 until they receive their high school diploma or exit the school system at age 22. Transition services are delivered through a coordinated set of activities which guide a student to reaching their post secondary vision.
Vocational/ Work Links
Vocational/ Work Links
WORK Inc. provides personalized employment services to individuals who need assistance finding their place in the workforce. We have extensive experience assisting individuals with disabilities, youth transitioning from school to work, and others in the workforce margins.
MassHire's mission is to connect employers with talent and job seekers with the tools and resources they need to achieve meaningful and sustainable employment. They aim to foster prosperity by developing partnerships, generating resources, and advocating for workforce solutions that benefit both businesses and individuals. MassHire operates a network of Career Centers across Massachusetts, offering a wide range of services to job seekers and employers
We partner with local employers and industry leaders to create job training programs that yield jobs in highly competitive fields. We work with community partners and agencies to help provide the best experience possible. JVS has a reputation for continuous innovation, building person-centered and performance-based models to improve outcomes and increase programmatic effectiveness. JVS is committed to helping individuals from all backgrounds achieve the American Dream.
Triangle’s Prism Program offers a wide variety of employment, independent living, peer connections, and social skills programs for autistic young adults. It features customized and flexible services that meet each person’s unique advancement goals with their input helping to shape daily services.
TILL Vocational Services offers customized employment, training, job placement and coaching to ensure long-term success. We match people to the vocational situation which is right for them.
TILL’s Supported Employment/Community Based Day Supports offers unique training opportunities in our three entrepreneurial café/catering businesses for people to obtain/strengthen their vocational skills through food service and retail training in thriving businesses with high standards for quality and productivity.
At the Federation, one way we inform, educate, and empower is through our variety of trainings, workshops, and conferences. In all our work, we aim to increase your ability to support the children in your life. You can attend a scheduled offering, view a previous program on our YouTube channel, or request a workshop for your community or organization.
The programs provides social skills building, job training, practical job experience at worksites in the community, and job placement supports.
Independent Living
Independent Living
Boston Center for Independent Living
The Boston Center for Independent Living is a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities that advocates to eliminate discrimination, isolation and segregation by providing advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services in order to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.
Toward Independent Living and Learning (TILL) Residential Services
TILL's wide range of housing options, from structured, small group living with 24/7 staffing supports to individualized supports, focuses on providing just the right amount of assistance needed to maintain independence.
The Guild for Human Services operates 15 residential homes in communities in Eastern Massachusetts for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Guild’s adult residential team supports individuals with specialized needs, including those with autism; behavioral challenges; and psychiatric, physical and medical disabilities.
Housing Resources for People with Disabilities - Mass.gov
Tips for addressing common concerns for people with disabilities
Resources and programs specifically for people with disabilities
Resources everyone should use for the most common housing issues
Jewish Family & Children Services
Residential Living Programs aids adults with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible while still enjoying community involvement and pursuing individual goals.
Housing Resourcing for Residence with Disabilities
These are resources which can help residents who have disabilities with housing in Boston
Adults ages 18 and over with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or brain injury
Adults with disabilities seeking 24/7 residential care
Modes of transportation
Modes of transportation
Modes of Transportation
Modes of Transportation
The RIDE paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation to people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability.
The MBTA offers a variety of free travel instruction services to help older adults and people with disabilities travel independently on the bus, train, and Commuter Rail.
Map out your routes
Social Links
Social Links
Social Connections are what make for a Full Life. At TILL, we believe in connections through shared interests and community resources, finding innovative ways of bringing people together, across town and across the world.
TILL Games, April Madness, TILL Wellness Initiative (TWI), bowling and softball leagues, and celebrations are just a few ways we bring people together within our communities.
Triangle’s Prism Program offers a wide variety of employment, independent living, peer connections, and social skills programs for autistic young adults. It features customized and flexible services that meet each person’s unique advancement goals with their input helping to shape daily services.
After School Social Skills supporting children with Autism and ADHD located at 1279A River Street, Hyde Park, MA. Monday – Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. serving grades 1st to 9th. Summer Enrichment Program from July 1, 2025, to August 15, 2025.
Bryce’s Journey, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) Black Women-led non-profit organization with a mission to provide free or low-cost support to low-income inner-city families who have children with Autism and ADHD. The organization also provides guidance, informational resources, support groups, and educational workshops for parents and caregivers.
Our program provides students who live in Boston and their families free access to many of the City's world-class cultural institutions.
The Federation partners with school districts, state agencies, health care providers, and community-based organizations to promote community engagement across the state.
Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, and Family Support programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Post Secondary Education
Post Secondary Education
The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) offers grants to college-school partnerships to support eligible public high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18–22, to increase their academic and career success by being included in a college or university community of learners.
Several state colleges in Massachusetts participate in the MAICEI.
State Universities:
Community Colleges:
MAIPSE Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education oversees grants and state funds for partnerships between public institutions of higher education, school districts, and adult service disability agencies to support inclusive postsecondary education. The purpose of these inclusive postsecondary education opportunities is to increase academic and career success for persons who are 18 and older and have a severe intellectual disability, severe autism spectrum disorder, or other severe developmental disability.
The Threshold Programs at Lesley University are designed to provide neurodiverse individuals with the independent living and working skills they need to live strong, independent lives. For more than 40 years, we’ve been helping students develop skills and confidence to navigate life.
Nothing should stand between you and a great education, even if you learn differently than others. For more than 50 years, Curry College’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL), has provided learning resources for students with diagnosed learning differences, executive function challenges and/or ADHD. As the first program of its kind in the country, we’re a leader in accessible student services. And it shows: 1 in 5 incoming Curry students participates in PAL.
Day Programs
Day Programs
TILL’s CARF-Accredited Day programs offer person-centered skill development and supports in coordination with physical, occupational, or speech therapies in a setting to maximize social skill development and self-direction through extensive community involvement and variety in choice and activities.
TILL Day Habilitation Programs
TILL Central Programs
Autism Initiative Program
TILL Farms
TILL On the Go
Strides Day Habilitation Program is a dynamic and progressive day program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Medical Assistance that provides quality services for a diverse group of adults with disabilities. Daily activities promote independence, social inclusion, personal safety, self-confidence, life satisfaction, positive interpersonal relationships, and optimum health. The program is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. except on holidays.
Triangle’s Prism Program offers a wide variety of employment, independent living, peer connections, and social skills programs for autistic young adults. It features customized and flexible services that meet each person’s unique advancement goals with their input helping to shape daily services.
Charles River Center Day Hab Program is designed for adults:
With developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism, who thrive in a structured environment with OT, PT and speech supports
Who require 1:7 staff to participant ratios to main safety and physical supports. We can support 1:1 if needed.
Need assistance with personal care through the day including including feeding
Benefit from adapted equipment for mobility, communication and daily living
Seek a full day, center-based program
MAssachusetts State Services
MAssachusetts State Services
The Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community.
MassAbility empowers people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs and services expand possibilities in careers and training, home and community life, and legal rights and benefits – including disability determination for federal programs.
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access.
We help people understand their disability rights and obligations, how regulations apply to the specifics of their situation, and practical steps they can take to assert their rights and comply with the law.
Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Participants improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in Unified Sports. A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition.
Boston Family Support
Boston Family Support
Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network
We cultivate belonging among our families, partners, volunteers, staff, and board. We build culturally-sustaining connections that create meaningful networks of support.
Through the Find Your Food Pantry campaign, the City of Boston celebrates the work done by food pantries.
Boston Public Health Commission
To work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities.
Our cabinet promotes and ensures the well-being of Boston residents, especially those with the greatest needs.
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