Students at Colonie Central High School participated in specialized ADAPT trainings on May 7 and May 12 as part of the school’s ongoing Art of Resilience initiative. The sessions were led by providers from Bring on the Spectrum.

ADAPT, which stands for Actions to Draw All People Together, helps students better understand neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program encourages students to build more inclusive environments while developing empathy, leadership, and peer support skills.

Throughout the training, students took part in discussions, hands-on activities, and interactive lessons designed to help them apply what they learned in everyday school settings.

“Programs like ADAPT are incredibly important at the high school level because they help students build empathy, understanding, and meaningful connections with one another,” said Tess McCarthy, associate principal. “Creating a school community where every student feels seen, valued, and supported is an important part of the work we do every day at CCHS.”

Through the Art of Resilience initiative, approximately 450 of CCHS’s 1,677 students participated in the program this year, continuing the school’s efforts to promote inclusion, connection, and belonging throughout the building.