Project Impact

A capacity-building workshop series that equips autism leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to support autistic students effectively.

Grounded in the Transforming Schools framework, participants select a learning track and engage in a structured problem-solving process to develop inclusive practices and actionable goals that lead to meaningful, systemic improvements in public school settings. Historically, school divisions that collaborate on a shared track have experienced notable success by designing and implementing joint projects that foster sustainable change across their systems.

Track 1: Social Communication

Helps students with autism develop essential social communication skills using a variety of strategies. Focus areas include improving conversational turn-taking, understanding nonverbal cues, initiating and maintaining interactions, and expressing needs effectively.

Track 2: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Emphasizes building communication skills through classwide and individualized AAC supports. Participants will consider their implementation of a variety of communication supports and services, ranging from Tier 1 (e.g., core vocabulary boards and classwide core visuals) to Tier 3 supports (e.g., student-specific speech-generating devices and robust communication systems).

Track 3: Transition from Early Childhood to Kindergarten

Supports students with autism as they transition from early childhood programs to kindergarten. It includes strategies to build foundational skills in communication, social interaction, and classroom routines. Structured support focuses on enhancing receptive and expressive language, following directions, and increasing independence.

Track 4: Transition from School to Adulthood

Designed to support students with autism as they transition from school to adulthood. It includes targeted strategies to build essential life skills, such as communication, self-advocacy, and independent living. Participants engage in structured activities to enhance social interactions, job readiness, and community integration.

Track 5: Literacy and Standards-Based Instruction for Autism

Focuses on building literacy skills and adapting content to meet instructional standards for students with autism. Participants explore strategies for differentiating instruction and using evidence-based practices to enhance reading comprehension, fluency, and written expression. This track also provides guidance on aligning literacy instruction with state standards while addressing the unique learning needs of students with autism.