Maria Soriano

The CP EE María Soriano is a public special education center located in the Carabanchel district of Madrid, serving students with motor and cognitive disabilities, including those with severe health issues. It integrates three areas: the educational, focused on learning and cognitive development; the residential, centered on social well-being; and the health and rehabilitation, dedicated to health well-being. It has over 130 years of educational innovation and has received, among other recognitions, the Queen Sofia Award for Motor Rehabilitation (1989) and the Honor Plaque of the Order of Dos de Mayo in the category of Encomienda de Número of the Community of Madrid (2023).

Its pedagogical identity is based on teamwork among professionals, flexible groups, and individualized attention. It applies multisensory stimulation, incorporates new technologies such as eye readers and the TEACCH methodology as a means of communication with the environment, and uses technical aids and tools for daily living activities, such as standing frames, positioning chairs, hoists, stretchers, switches, and communicators. Students participate in inclusive activities such as reading, storytelling, gardening, theater, arts and crafts, and Boccia, and their health status is taken into account in daily learning. The center created the EducaSAAC Project, unified alternative communication systems for the educational community, and applies the Assisted Natural Language methodology in the initiative "Humanize my communication."

The residential area offers accommodation from Monday to Friday, from 4:00 PM to 9:30 AM, in addition to the "Respite Program," from Friday to Sunday except during school holidays, and the "Extended Hours." It has its own kitchen and offers textured and easy-to-chew menus, within the framework of raising awareness about dysphagia, and maintains an agreement with Palliative Care. It develops the "Learning and Service" project and is the venue and organizer of the Special Education Days "More Together, More Special," as well as a center for university internships. The school hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.