We believe that all children should be able to lead full lives, regardless of their needs. That means that they should be able to participate, feel included at school and get access to high quality education. We strive to empower children and focus on their abilities rather than on shortcomings.
Children with cognitive disabilities like autism, ADHD and learning disabilities often have difficulties that lead to practical everyday problems, it can be challenging both for students and for school professionals.
Statistics show that for example only 16% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time paid employment. One of the challenges is in the field of education, people with disabilities have a lower level of education than the rest of the population. Around 15% of the pupils in schools today have special education needs.
We need to do what we can to help them thrive and enjoy learning, and to make the best possible progress.
Based on our more than 40 years’ experience from working with children with cognitive challenges in Scandinavia, and supported by research evidence, we know that our assistive technology provides children access to a more fulfilling life.
SUBPAGE
Opportunities for students to reach higher educational attainment
Our assistive aids provide children with disabilities a supportive tool to handle the stress and anxiety of daily life, thus leading to increased confidence and independence, and as a result change behaviour rather than treat symptoms.
Children with cognitive disabilities have difficulties that often lead to practical everyday problems, like arriving too late or too early; constantly searching for things; forgetting daily tasks like packing their school bag; facing uncertainty in their daily schedule; not getting started - lacking a ”start button”.
What are the usual challenges for students with autism?
- Difficulties understanding time
- Remembering what to do
- Focusing on the task at hand
- Planning their day
- Being motivated to start and finish activities
This often leads to stress and anxiety. This in turn leads to challenges for the school professionals to help the students assimilate and engage with the teaching.
Consistency is important for children with cognitive challenges. The heart of our cognitive aids is the Abilia 'Quarter hour' principle. The Quarter hour principle is an efficient method that helps children understand and relate to the concept of time. It is designed with the end-user’s needs in mind and based on research evidence. The choice of aid that is best suited to each child depends on the individual needs of the student, and what other tools are currently used at the school.
Below is an image that provides an overview of the differences between the cognitive aids....
SUBPAGE
A sustainable school environment that promotes learning
The challenges your students face because of their cognitive challenges affect you as well. Because they are stressed and preoccupied it might be challenging to create an environment where you can get them to focus on the tasks at hand. It could easily lead to conflicts in the classroom and lead to lower educational attainment. How to involve the parents in a constructive way, and keeping them updated adds another stressful dimension for school professionals.
As a result, you may get teachers who are stressed, and this could lead to absenteeism and attrition. According to a 2013 survey by the charity Ambitious About Autism, 60% of the teachers in England do not feel they have had the adequate training to teach children with autism.
By using our cognitive assistive aids, we help school professionals to reach their goals
- Improve their work with students
- Improve their relationships with parents
- Reduce conflicts in the classroom
- Reach higher educational attainment
