Having worked with professionals from virtually sector of the economy, we have come to realize that Special Needs professionals are among the most dedicated, patient, competent people we know.
They do far more with far less than many higher paid people in business and industry. Not whiners or complainers, nevertheless, many we have worked with expressed similar frustrations:
(1) Many materials used by Special Needs students are adapted or modified from general education materials.
(2) Suitable materials and activities are not readily available for lower functioning students.
(3) Identifying, assessing, and developing skills and abilities that directly relate to students becoming employed is difficult.
(4) Developing proper workplace behaviors before entering a work setting would be beneficial.
In our research to help our clients, we discovered several
effective ways to fill the gaps and meet the needs of Special Needs professionals and
their students.
Filling the Gaps - the Right Steps
Programs and Materials Designed for Special Needs Students
First Step: A Developmental Transition and Life Skills Program
The First Step program is specifically designed to address Basic Skill Development and Transition requirements for low cognitive functioning Special Needs students who require guided instruction.
First Step is built around four Work Centers: (1) Basic Hand Tools, (2) Basic Household Skills, (3) Basic Measurement, and (4) Employability Skills, all designed to facilitate the student's movement to the next level.
First Step
Simulated Work Environment
4 Work Centers
40 Subjects
119 Lessons
354 Hands-on Assessable Activities
Work Behavior Development
Real materials, tools, equipment, and supplies for real work and life experiences.
The First Step program is typically used (1) in Middle School to prepare students to move to the next level and/or (2) in High School and beyond for low cognitive functioning students who are not in regular mainstream classes and who need guided instruction.
First Step does not assume that students (or teachers) may know various tools and equipment or how to use them properly. Therefore, First Step provides a DVD player and an instructional video which shows the proper use of all tools.
Easy to use assessments Data for identifying skill levels and planning next steps
Students are assessed using a Mastery-based program that provides assessment of all 354 activities in three areas: (1) Basic Mastery, (2) Functional Mastery, and (3) Interest.
This data can be used to help generate IEPs, goals, and objectives. It can also help develop career plans and objectively monitor student progress based on actual performance. Reports can also be generated for data-driven decision making.
in the simulated work environment, students become employees and teachers become supervisors. Strict procedures are followed so students get the feel of real work. At the same time they learn skills, explore new career vocational areas, and gain hands-on experience in a broad range of career pathways.
- Helping students develop basic work skills, life skills, and behaviors -
Student Outcomes
Students who have successfully completed the program should:
• Develop basic skills in different areas. • Develop basic problem solving skills. • Develop and understand basic work behavior skills. • Have a better understanding of their areas of Interest. • Have a better understanding of how the real world works.
Educational Outcomes
When Students finish the program, teachers know:
• Where the student's strengths are. • Skills a student can actually perform. • Areas in which students have some interest. • Type(s) of special assistance and accommodations students may need. • Work behaviors students have and which ones they need to develop.
In addition, with the vital, objective, data driven information First Step provides, teachers can write better transition plans.
Compact - Does not require a complete classroom. Portable - Can be easily moved from room to room. Sturdy - Solid plastic containers and sturdy steel shelving unit with lockable wheels
First Step
