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ASDAN - Offers regulated qualifications and accredited curriculum programs for students with significant support needs.

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ASDAN - Offers regulated qualifications and accredited curriculum programs for students with significant support needs.

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Notification for ASDAN centres on Covid-19 can be viewed here

Who we are

We provide flexible and engaging programmes and qualifications that help young people develop skills for learning, work and life.

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ASDAN | Curriculum Development Organisation and Awarding Body

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Javascript is required for this site to function correctly. Notification for ASDAN centres on Covid-19 can be viewed here We provide flexible and engaging programmes and qualifications that help young people develop skills for learning, work and life.

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Adjunct Professor of EDSE 619 @ University of Northern Colorado

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Adjunct Professor of EDSE 619 @ University of Northern Colorado

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A Six-Month Creation: My SENIA Academy Level 2 Course

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A Six-Month Creation: My SENIA Academy Level 2 Course

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Policy Brief: Expanding Postsecondary Transition Opportunities for Students with Significant Support Needs in International Schools

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Policy Brief: Expanding Postsecondary Transition Opportunities for Students with Significant Support Needs in International Schools

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Unique Learning System - Highly differentiated curriculum for students needing modifications

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Unique Learning System - Highly differentiated curriculum for students needing modifications

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Create a consistent, engaging learning environment

Unique Learning System is a one‑of‑kind solution designed specifically to help students with special learning needs master their state's extended standards. From one convenient, cloud‑based platform, educators deliver differentiated, standards‑aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tools, and evidence‑based instructional support. Students from pre-K through transition have the advantage of consistent, high-quality instruction, a motivating interactive learning environment, engaging symbol support, and a path to independence.

See how ULS incorporates the Science of Reading

Easily maintain and demonstrate compliance

Administrators, teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and parents all benefit from the powerful supports within Unique Learning System that help them meet the ultimate goal: helping every student gain meaningful access to learning and develop greater self-sufficiency. Built‑in assessment tools and resources provide insight into each learner's knowledge, abilities, and needs as they progress. And extensive data related to that growth informs instruction and documents mastery toward IEP goals and standards.

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Simplify complex daily roles to increase educator satisfaction

Teachers, imagine starting the school day without the rush to create materials for multiple levels of learners, prepared to provide every student with access to their state's extended standards, knowing what standards that day's lessons will address-and how, and having clear insight into every student's needs and learning level to ensure they continue to progress. From one convenient and powerful solution, you can create opportunities for your students to succeed in school and life.

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Drive positive student outcomes across all content areas

With research guiding our work every step of the way, we help educators address the needs of the whole student from one easy‑to‑navigate solution that provides instruction across the content areas for pre‑K-transition. Students can chart their own course to academic success with access to extended learning standards and the same concepts as their peers in general education. And they gain pride and confidence through differentiated lessons that enable each to participate in rigorous daily instruction at the appropriate level with evidence‑based supports.

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Teach and learn anytime, anywhere

Like n2y's Total Solution, Unique Learning System is both simple and powerful-easily working with existing technology and seamlessly adaptable to future systems. Its cloud-based content and features reach students no matter where they learn throughout the day: in school or at home.

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What's Included?

A one-year Unique Learning System license provides:

Unlimited access for one service provider and 15 students to one grade band of differentiated lessons, and standards-aligned content for ELA, math, social studies & science, and transition. Designated to ensure standards mastery, grade bands include Pre-K, Elementary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12) and Transition.

Student View access from any location

Use of the powerful Goals, Preferences and Skills (GPS) assessment hub and resulting student data and reporting

Access to regular updates and additions

Time-saving, easy-to-use platform that integrates with other n2y solutions

24/7 access to our comprehensive Knowledge Base that shows how to use Unique Learning System, including Getting Started, FAQs, and support articles.

There are different levels in Unique [Learning System], and each student is on the level that [enables them to] achieve the maximum. We do monthly Checkpoints to see where they're going, and it shows me that when students need specific help, we get right on it.

Louella Broussard

Teacher

Acadiana High School, LA

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Unique Learning System is the #1 U.S. special education curriculum! Standards-aligned, individualized instruction for measurable student growth and independence.

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My Life Centered Education (LCE) Story at AISJ

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My Life Centered Education (LCE) Story at AISJ

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Includes information on our HS General Diploma (Alternative Graduation Pathway) program, our Vocational Internships, the DORM (Developing Opportunities for Real-World Mastery).

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LinkedIn Post about Noah's Inclusion Success at ICS Addis

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LinkedIn Post about Noah's Inclusion Success at ICS Addis

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Roslyn Dotterweich on LinkedIn: #autism #autismawareness | 28 comments

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During our recent international school job search, Daniel and I (both teachers) had several schools reject our applications for the sole reason that they could… | 28 comments on LinkedIn

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Critical Autoethnography: Navigating the System: A Mother's Challenge for International Schools

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Critical Autoethnography: Navigating the System: A Mother's Challenge for International Schools

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Work Experience Internship @ Layla's Gourmet

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Work Experience Internship @ Layla's Gourmet

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Our students go to Layla's Gourmet twice a week to complete a work experience internship! They make cappuccinos, memorize table numbers, sort silverware, fold napkins, and practice socialization skills which will help them in their postsecondary employment life.

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My SENIA Article about Gabriel's Journey to the University of Oklahoma

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My SENIA Article about Gabriel's Journey to the University of Oklahoma

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SENIA International - SENIA International

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It's a quiet, gorgeous day for a walk on the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus.

And out of the peace, my husband and I hear a sweet little yell.
"MOMMY......take picture! CHEEEEEESE!!!!"
How can I refuse that precious, high-pitched voice?

But as I take the picture, my heart hurts.
He would never be admitted here.
The Gabriel on the left is six years old and diagnosed with Autism. He is enrolled in a self-contained program with a fully modified curriculum, receives intensive speech and language services, and uses PECS visual icons to support his limited vocabulary.

His father and I know full well that he will never be eligible to attend OU - or any university - for that matter.

Fast forward 13 years.

The Gabriel on the right is 19, has just graduated from the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ), and is about to begin his freshman year at OU.

NEVER have I been so happy to be proven wrong!!!

Gabriel's Path to University

From grades 1-8, Gabriel was enrolled in AISJ's intensive learning support program. In high school, he entered the General (modified) Diploma program, with targeted postsecondary transition instruction. This included functional academics, independent living, self-determination, employment exploration, and an off-campus vocational training internship at a local restaurant.

Gabriel thrived in this program. He gained skills in executive functioning, self-care, hygiene, laundry, cooking, personal safety, and more. By the time he reached his Sophomore year, we were highly optimistic that he might live independently someday.

However, we were still concerned about his postsecondary future, until we learned of a new, four-year program at Texas A&M University, which was specifically designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We couldn't believe our eyes! We dug into the internet to see if there were more, and found the Think College website, based at UMass Boston. We learned there are more than 300 similar programs across the United States, and at least 10 in Europe / Middle East !!

We even found a program at OU!!!

Most programs allow students to live on campus, attend traditional and specialized courses, and offer personalized academic support. Many also offer instruction in life skills, career development, work internships, and provide socialization opportunities through campus activities. Some programs are geared more toward students with intellectual disabilities, some toward developmental disabilities, and some both.

Navigating the Application Process

We shared this news with Gabriel, and he became more excited than we were! We began the application process, and submitted his Individual Learning Program (ILP), high school transcript (with no GPA), an updated Educational Psychological report, and Gabriel answered some life-centered questionnaires. We also helped him create a personal Google site to showcase his abilities, and he went through several virtual interviews - where he discussed his strengths, challenges, dreams, goals, and level of independence with admissions committees.

His hard work paid off, and he was accepted into the OU Sooner Works program . This was one of the happiest days of our lives.

Thriving at University

Gabriel has now successfully completed one year of his four-year program. He lived in a dorm, followed a course schedule, did his own laundry, used meal points to eat at the dorm cafeteria, and completed a work internship in the student union. Whenever he had a question or needed help, he could text his personal support liaison, who would follow up with him as needed.

Instead of grades, he receives a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) report each semester, which assesses his performance in four areas: person-centered planning, academics (i.e. attendance, level of effort), career/vocational progress, and social development/campus involvement.

When Gabriel completes the program in 2027, he will participate in the OU graduation ceremony and receive a Certificate of Completion in Integrated Community Studies. His ultimate goals are to live independently, secure paid employment in his area of interest (Library Studies) and achieve an improved quality of life.

A Message of Hope

Looking back at that precious six-year-old boy, he's come a long way, and we are beyond proud of him. Society has made great strides as well, increasingly recognizing that students with significant support needs deserve the opportunity to benefit from a university experience.

While there is still much work to do (especially internationally), let Gabriel's story remind us that dreams, once thought impossible, can indeed become reality. Here's to all the students and families who dare to dream beyond the confines of their challenges. YES, university is indeed possible for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and our sweet Gabriel is living proof.

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University Opportunities for Students with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities By: Roslyn Dotterweich - SENIA International

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It's a quiet, gorgeous day for a walk on the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus. And out of the peace, my husband and I hear a sweet little yell. "MOMMY......take picture! CHEEEEEESE!!!!" How can I refuse that precious, high-pitched voice? But as I take the picture, my heart hurts.

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Co-Teacher: EDSE 677 - Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Exceptionalities 

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Co-Teacher: EDSE 677 - Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Exceptionalities 

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University of Northern Colorado

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Bridge the Gap: Creating Quality Transition-Focused IEPs

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Bridge the Gap: Creating Quality Transition-Focused IEPs

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CEC Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Conference: October 2023: Reno, Nevada

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Transition Assessment Checklist: Don't Plan Without It

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Transition Assessment Checklist: Don't Plan Without It

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CEC Division of Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Conference
October 2023: Reno, Nevada

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How do we prepare neurodiverse students to transition within and between schools, and to post-school life?

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How do we prepare neurodiverse students to transition within and between schools, and to post-school life?

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Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) Symposium
October 2023: Online

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Doctoral Dissertation - Initial Thoughts

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Doctoral Dissertation - Initial Thoughts

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Initiating and Enhancing Postsecondary Transition Programs for Students with Significant Support Needs in International Schools

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Attending UNESCO / IFIP Global Inclusive Schools Forum in March 2024 - Paris 

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Attending UNESCO / IFIP Global Inclusive Schools Forum in March 2024 - Paris 

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I am honored to have been selected to attend this amazing event, including 30th Commemoration of the Salamanca Agreement, while representing the Parents Alliance for Inclusion

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International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners

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International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners

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Excited to have been asked to serve on the Advisory Board for this amazing organization!

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Parents Alliance for Inclusion | Advocacy for expansive student support services at international schools

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This is the best Text to Speech app I've ever seen. It turns ANYTHING into oral content. I use it in my PhD program constantly and my son with Dyslexia uses it to support his reading comprehension.

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Speechify: Free Text to Speech & Voice Typing AI Assistant | 55M+ Users

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Speechify reads anything aloud to you. Listen to books, PDFs, or web pages anytime with natural voices. Try Speechify free.

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Proloquo2Go: Gives students a voice when they can't find their own words 

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Proloquo2Go: Gives students a voice when they can't find their own words 

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Our AAC app family has two new members supporting children and parents on their AAC journey.

Built from the ground up with an easy-to-use layout, step-by-step guidance and support, you can easily make communication with AAC a part of your everyday life.

Try AssistiveWare Proloquo and Proloquo Coach free of charge for one month.

You'll love how this symbol-based app helps users learn how to express themselves. Proloquo2Go puts the user's development first, with innovative features based on clinical knowledge and user research.

It's also one of the few AAC apps designed to support all users, from beginning to advanced. Completely customizable and designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills, the app's versatility makes it useful for non-speaking people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a range of other diagnoses or speech impediments like apraxia and dysarthria.

Grow and develop

Communicate with ease

Core words stay in the same place throughout the vocabulary to aid motor planning.

Customizable folder organization. You can also create your own folders easily, based on thematic templates.

Designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills with options like 23 pre-programmed grid sizes and accessibility settings which support scanning and Apple's VoiceOver.

Use it your way

"
The app continues to grow with us, and each update brings only greater utility and reward. Rupert is seventeen now, and I can't see us ever using any other communication format.

Proloquo2Go lets you be you. Choose from 100 voices, ranging from friendly adult voices to genuine children's voices and bilingual voices. The voices are created using real recorded speech, making them feel surprisingly natural. For some languages, you even have multiple options.

Exploring insurance options for Proloquo2Go? We've got you covered.

Our partner, AbleNet, specializes in guiding people through the insurance process for AAC apps and devices. AbleNet works with ALL speech-language pathologists, regardless of their experience with speech devices.

Visit AbleNet's site or contact our support team and get Proloquo2Go the hassle-free way.

Proloquo2Go

AAC Essentials Bundle

Proloquo2Go

Help & Support

Join the community

Ask our Support team

Make every environment set up for quick access to AAC. These printable communication boards are handy to use across different environments. This is very helpful when the device is not available. Using core word boards means you can make AAC always available.
Quick communication boards (new!)
More words to communicate with. Read how to use the Quick communication boards.
Core word boards

Gateway to Language & Learning is an efficient core word vocabulary offering user vocabularies for children, teens, and adults.

Proloquo2Go has the CrescendoTM core word vocabulary built-in. The Gateway to Language and Learning© vocabulary is available as an in-app purchase.

Learn more about Crescendo and Gateway

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Proloquo2Go - AAC app with symbols - AssistiveWare

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You'll love how this symbol-based app helps users learn how to express themselves. Proloquo2Go puts the user's development first, with innovative features based on clinical knowledge and user research.

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Diffit - AI Site which converts any article at any reading level to whatever grade level you wish! 

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Diffit - AI Site which converts any article at any reading level to whatever grade level you wish! 

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Use existing curriculum, or generate standards-aligned content with real, cited sources.

Choose a grade level and language, and watch Diffit create complete, differentiated resources. ✅

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Use existing curriculum, or generate standards-aligned content with real, cited sources. Choose a grade level and language, and watch Diffit create complete, differentiated resources. ✅

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Chat GPT - Create personalized content for your students (i.e. Reader's Theatre scripts) in minutes

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Chat GPT - Create personalized content for your students (i.e. Reader's Theatre scripts) in minutes

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ChatGPT is your AI chatbot for everyday use. Chat with the most advanced AI to explore ideas, solve problems, and learn faster.

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I lead my students through the creation of their own websites! This one helped my son get accepted into the University of Oklahoma Soonerworks Program (they said so in his interview)! :)

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Everything you ever wanted to know about Postsecondary Education opportunities for HS grads with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities

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Here you will find curated resources on some of the most critical topics in inclusive postsecondary education. Each page features selected key resources, a link to additional resources we have on the topic in our Resource Library, related external links and Frequently Asked Questions on the topic.

Click any state on the map to see information on activities related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability (ID) in that state. If there are policies and/or legislation related to postsecondary education for students with ID, we provide a link to that policy/legislation. If there is a statewide organization for inclusive PSE in your state, a link to information about that organization is provided. We also include contact information for someone in the state who can talk to you about postsecondary education for students with ID.

Think College is dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. We conduct and extend our work through several specific grant funded projects. Click the project logo to learn more about that project and its key activities, staff and resources.

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Think College is a national initiative dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving research and practice in inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. It is based at the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston.

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European Network for Inclusive Higher Education

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European Network for Inclusive Higher Education

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Supporting the sustainability and development of existing and future inclusive education initiatives for students with intellectual disabilities across Europe

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I applied to the programme because I wanted more education. I have found it very enjoyable to be at the University. What stands out is getting to know students from other courses. I got a job where I had my work study which is a social center, I would like to continue working there after I graduate.

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My students complete these at the beginning of every school year. This serves as a great introduction to their classmates, teachers, and helps them engage in self-awareness and ultimately, self-advocacy. It is a fluid document that is changed throughout the year as their strengths and needs change, and is meant to be used at their student-led ILP meetings.

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Presentation to AISJ Faculty, 2015

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“Differentiation gives E-V-E-R-Y student an invitation to learn and the opportunity to access curriculum” - Powell and Powell (2006) Strategic Networks: The "How" of Learning Recognition Networks: The "What" of Learning DifferentiationWhat? How? Why? Our Formative Assessment of

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Visit our family's website to learn more about who we are.

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We are an American expat educator family who has been traveling and teaching abroad for over two decades.

Daniel and Roslyn, both experienced international educators, are passionate about exploring the world and fostering a love for learning in their students.

With extensive experience as Special Education, Social Studies, and Model United Nations teachers, we have a strong commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century. We also have expertise in postsecondary transition and life-centered education, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

As a family with a deep understanding of international special needs, we are committed to providing inclusive and supportive learning environments for all of our students. We believe that education should be a transformative experience that prepares young people to be engaged, compassionate citizens of the world. Join us on our journey as we explore, learn, and grow together!

To contact us, please submit the form below and we'll be in touch soon!

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Welcome to our family's website! We are an American expat educator family who has been traveling and teaching abroad for over two decades. Daniel and Roslyn, both experienced international educators, are passionate about exploring the world and fostering a love for learning in their students. With extensive experience as Special Education, Social Studies, and Model...

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Autismdreamx3 - My Special Needs Mom Blog

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Autismdreamx3 - My Special Needs Mom Blog

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Latest post: I created a social story for our boys to talk about our departure from Jeddah after 13 years. Happy to say it went well.

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After 13 years, our family will be leaving Jeddah in June. There are many reasons, but suffice it to say that after 17 total years in the Middle East (4 in Abu Dhabi, 13 in Jeddah), we're ready for a change of scenery.

Daniel and I have been stressing about how to break it to Noah and Samuel, who have both grown up here and know no other home. They have so many memories, and life-long friendships, and have often talked about "never wanting to leave Jeddah" - especially after they just watched Gabriel move away to university. So, we were anticipating some serious tears and possibly a meltdown or two.

We decided to use the Disney/Pixar movie, Inside Out ( a family favorite) as a foundation to introduce the topic of moving away. Inside Out follows an 11-year old girl named Riley and the many emotions she feels when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. The great thing about this movie is it shows that it is OK to feel sad, or angry, or afraid, or disgusted. It's natural. And although Riley wants to remain happy throughout the moving process, it's impossible - she learns that we must allow ourselves to feel other emotions in order to work our way back to happiness. She ends up loving her new life, while never forgetting the old.

We watched the movie together, then walked them through the social story. We highlighted all the wonderful memories we've created here, but that it's time to move on to a new home. We reinforced the fact that we will all feel MANY different emotions this year - and that's OK - but no matter where we go next ( to be determined...), we will still be a family, be together, and love each other as much as we do now.

I am SO HAPPY to say that it went extremely well - MUCH better than expected. Yes, there were a few tears initially - but they both visibly relaxed when we showed them the slide with the calendar - so they saw that this is not happening for a long time (10 months..). (I can't imagine what the reaction would've been had we waited until June.)

They both seemed to leave the conversation with a sense of calm acceptance, understanding and security.

Now, I'm very familiar with delayed reactions, so we're still on guard - but it's been about 5 hours since we had our conversation, and so far, so good. Pray for us!

I've included all the slides of our social story below - which started out with reinforcing our lives here and their memories, and then we moved into the why, where, and what happens next.

Never underestimate the power of social stories and Disney Pixar movies. 🙂

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After 13 years, our family will be leaving Jeddah in June. There are many reasons, but suffice it to say that after 17 total years in the Middle East (4 in Abu Dhabi, 13 in Jeddah), we're ready for a change of scenery. Daniel and I have been stressing about how to break it to...

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ICS Addis Welcomes the Coffee House Tradition!

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ICS Addis Welcomes the Coffee House Tradition!

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Celebrating a New Coffee House Tradition at ICS Addis

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The event helps students in our transition education program develop post-secondary and vocational skills.