I was at a transition fair in Kansas City this spring, chatting with families and showing off the Smart Steps Mobile app. A young man—we’ll call him Ian—walked up to my table. Ian had a friendly smile and curious eyes, so I asked if he’d like to see how the app worked. He shrugged a […]
Smart Steps Mobile is usually for everyday situations when you feel stuck, such as a late ride or needing to ask the boss a question. One new app user gave us a new idea, and we thought we’d create a scenario with a broader question: Thinking About Going to College. Meet Kaylee. She is a […]
COVID-19 has turned our world upside down as the world moves to distance learning. Children have a hard time understanding why they can’t go to school. Teachers and parents aren’t sure how to fill the day. Students need down time to self-soothe and to deal with anxiety related to the corona virus. They also need […]
Stuck at home? Here’s a thought. Social distancing, the corona virus, and seasonal flu have created disruption everywhere. Teachers and parents are talking online about how to create as much normalcy as possible by keeping a schedule. Smart Steps Mobile is here to help structure your day. To make it easy, Smart Steps offers a special […]
Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, presents findings in an eye-opening report based on a survey of a thousand community and business persons across Kansas. Participants were asked to write about what makes a successful young adult; researchers at K-State analyzed results. Kansans Say Non-Academic Skills Matter Most Surprisingly, academic skills were not the most […]
It’s fun to see what types of businesses are created to support employment skills. A unique but practical idea for supported employment was created as part of a day service for adults with disabilities: The Bookworm Bookstore in Ramona, California. Softskills are Crucial for Job Success If your community has created a business as a […]
New employees, especially employees with disabilities, sometimes need a boost learning the ropes on a new jobsite, especially when it’s their first job. When employees enter the workforce, they may find it hard to mix in with a variety of ages and personalities in the workplace; if they don’t fit in, they can get set […]
The Smart Steps Mobile app is a decision-making tool for everyday stressors such as getting lost, a late ride, a question at work or forgetting lunch. To get started, choose a scenario. The Smart Steps Mobile app takes the user through a decision making process by presenting options, one step at a time. Practical […]
Brrr, it’s cold outside! Does your loved one know what to do to manage weather situations? Do you find yourself reminding them of the same thing over and over? Would you like to change that? Here’s how: Let’s brainstorm decisions we might make in cold weather: What to wear for different temperatures, What to […]
High school graduation is an exciting time with parties, college picks, and ceremonies. It can also be a source of anxiety because for many students, the future is uncertain. What about students with disabilities such as autism? K-12 Education Offers Supports Let’s back up a minute to talk about K-12 education. In public education, paraprofessional […]
