Engaging Special Needs Students with Experience-Based Learning
Students with special needs have unique strengths, motivators, preferences, and interests in a learning environment. By identifying and addressing these elements, educators can encourage a higher level of engagement. Experience-based learning allows students to naturally discover consequences and problem-solve in a hands-on learning environment. This approach boosts motivation, self-esteem, and self-advocacy in students with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, visual and auditory impairments, learning deficiencies, ADHD, and ADD.
Academic Career Transition (ACT) Programs
ACT programs use a hands-on learning model that incorporates life skills, academic skills, in-school and external employment, community-based support, and career planning. Many students with special needs dream of living independently, attending community college, or securing meaningful employment. ACT programs help fulfill those dreams by offering real-life work experiences.
On-Campus Work Experience
One example of an ACT program is the “Design Center,” where students design graphics and imprint them on products like T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more. They also engrave key chains, nameplates, and ornaments, and create business cards, calendars, and greeting cards. In addition to these technical skills, students learn about responsibility, budgeting, banking, and self-advocacy.
Students in this program are treated as employees, creating professional portfolios with resumes, job applications, mock interviews, and reflections. To remain in the program, they must complete schoolwork, maintain grades, and behave professionally.
Off-Campus Job Opportunities
Another ACT program provides students ages 16 and older with access to off-campus jobs at local businesses that align with their passions and abilities. These real-world job experiences empower students to contribute to their communities while building a strong work ethic.
End Goals of ACT Programs
The ultimate goal of an ACT program is to develop students’ employment and social skills to maximize their real-world success. By exposing students to essential living, communication, and vocational skills, ACT programs help them become happy, confident, and productive members of society.
Graduates of ACT programs have gone on to:
- Enter the workforce directly
- Live independently with supports
- Join social groups
- Attend community college programs
About the Author: Brandi Eagling is the Director of Sierra Academy of San Diego. She spent eight years in the classroom developing and implementing the Academic Career Transitions (ACT) Program. Mrs. Eagling has been an invited speaker at the National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR), the CARS Convention, and the Every Child Counts Symposium, sharing her expertise in transition programming, multidisciplinary approaches, and the power of leveraging student strengths and interests.
