I Want To Say is an excellent film about the crucial role technology can play in the lives of people with autism. A collaborative effort by Goodby Silverstein and Partners and Bodega Studios, directed by Peter Sorcher, and featuring the work of Hope Technology School’s staff and students, this documentary is an inspiring account of families helping their children with autism to have communication breakthroughs.
Posts in category Transition to Adulthood
“I Want to Say” Autism Documentary highlights Technology at Hope Technology School
Pay Day for Students!
In our Vocational Education Class at Hope Technology School we are in the process of reorganizing our classroom kitchen. I found myself baffled at how to inspire my students to clean up and over-haul a kitchen that they claim not to be their responsibility. Oh the wonders of helping students develop work ethic and character!
I used my prior skills in payroll, went to work and found a solution. I strategically set up a system of “jobs” for each student to successfully complete according to their strengths. Students learned to follow directions and complete their job, and most importantly feel a sense of accomplishment. I introduced the terms “Payroll,” Timesheets,” and “Direct Deposit.” The students also learned how to fill out their timesheets, in order to get paid for their work. They were big fans of their direct deposit bank accounts entitled “PAY DAY!”
I learned that most of them where scared of failing at new tasks. The key to helping them is thinking through all the different options in order to set them up for success. It pays to do the extra work! Doing the extra work to inspire and empower them and reminding them of their capabilities not only helped them build character, but also help them complete their jobs.
Why Am I Like This?
I have asked myself this question too many times to count. At times I have found an answer and at other times I am lost in the silence of my own voice. Why have I not been able to overcome my speech impediment and speak fluently? Why do I have these limitations? Why do I stutter? Why am I like this?
In order to answer this question, I had to ask myself a different question which is, “who would I be if I never stuttered?” If I were to grow up without stuttering, I would have never developed the ability to listen to people and hear what they have to say no matter how long it took them. Instead of hating who I’ve become, I needed to see a meaning in my disability. Then I began to understand how my weaknesses were teaching me to care for other people.
The past few years I have been able to work in the Vocational Education Program at the Hope Technology School with teens that are nonverbal and communicate using assistive technology, having the speech impediment that I have helps me understand about 1% of what they go through. Working with these teens has really inspired me to see things differently. Instead of just speaking up for myself now, I feel the need to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves and sincerely try to feel what they feel. That is why I am like this.
HTS Vocational Education Program – Bridging Educational Opportunities in the Bay Area
By Erlinda Cruz-Quintero, Vocational Education Instructor
Transitioning students from Secondary Education to Post Education can be an inspiring yet complex process for educators, parents and students. Fortunately, the Bay Area community is becoming more aware of the limited resources and continues building on this area to make it grow.
Hope Technology School Vocational Education Program has taken initiative in the cause! We have made it a priority to help our students with special needs and learning disabilities transition from Secondary Education to Post Education. Our students have the opportunity to further their education and go on to college!
Hope Tech Vocational Education Program has set up a unique bridge program with the Computer Applications & Office Systems (CAOS) Department and the Disability Resource Center at De Anza Community College. Students have successfully completed two quarters of online course work from De Anza Community College.
The CAOS department offers courses that allow students to learn at their own pace without attending classes at the De Anza campus. The CAOS Department offers students certificates to prepare the students for job careers. Our students are currently working towards obtaining the Administrative Assistant/Office Technology Skills Certificate.
Our students are able to complete their CAOS online course work in the HTS Vocational Education Program classroom. We help our students map out a timeline to complete their assignments, monitor their progress, and adapt the curriculum to the student’s learning style. The Disabilities Resource Center, the CAOS Department and the HTS Vocational Education Program continue to work together to provide the support and accommodations that our students need in order to help them successfully complete their work, and build even more bridges of opportunity!