“The success of students with disabilities, on completion of their education, depends greatly on the ability of educators, supportive parents, community agencies, and employers to prepare these students with the skills, understanding and career opportunities thatare needed to become independent, productive, happy and tax-paying adults.”
Robert Muller (Muller, 1995)
This program is a three-year program. By the end of the third year, students will get a certificate of completion from the Continuing Education Center at the American University of Beirut.
“Next Step” program is credited to a number of diverse factors that worked together to effectively realize the achievement of its goals despite starting off with minimal resources.
1- First and foremost, it is the adoption of the program under the umbrella of AUB-CEC. “Next Step” students enjoy access to AUB’s discriminatory-free campus and inclusive physical space in addition to the access to online and offline resources and learning materials.
2- Highly esteemed and qualified guest speakers are interested in providing both awareness lectures as well as hands-on activities.
3- Parents, too, provide the necessary support for the students during social activities, events, and presentations, in addition to homework and assignments.
4- Successful internship and training at workplaces generously offer their expertise.
5- “Next Step” is based on a Certified US Program that consists of a fully tested and developed educational curriculum that is regularly reviewed and improved.
6- The program fills a gap in the education of students with intellectual disabilities
7- It involves social interaction, engagement, and active learning, as well as activities and stimulating friendships that boost the students’ self-esteem and social performance
8- Teachers are equipped with all the tools needed to support the students’ success
9- Course objectives are supported and achieved with combined multi-disciplinary educational resources
10- The program is built and implemented with the collaboration of many companies, agencies, institutions and enterprises
NEXT STEP COURSES: LIFE CENTERED EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
Curriculum Overview
The program spans over a period of three years that include academic courses with functional objectives as well as vocational preparation. During the course of their study in the second and third years, the students will be expected to do internships in selected business platforms and as per their career choice. The curriculum is primarily based on the Life Centered Education objectives as published by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Its mission is accomplished through advocacy, standards, and professional development. At the end of the three years program the students will receive a certificate of completion from the Continuing Education Center.
Functional Math & Money Management Course
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in basic mathematics, gradually building skills in counting, arithmetic, and problem-solving, all while incorporating practical aspects as part of money management such as currency recognition and real-life scenarios.
Self Determination And Interpersonal Skills Course
This course helps students develop self-awareness, self-confidence, socially responsible behavior, good interpersonal skills, independence, decision-making and good communication skills
Daily Living Skills Course
This course teaches students how to manage personal finances (including using credit cards, check cards, etc.), household management, personal needs, family responsibilities, food preparation, citizenship responsibility and leisure activities.
Employment Skills Course
This course Opens the door to employment possibilities and choices for our students in the 21st century, by teaching them appropriate work habits, how to seek and maintain employment, physical/manual skills, and specific job competencies.
Therapeutic Art Course
This course offers students a safe and non-judgmental space to explore different art materials, marks, forms and colors. Through sensory experiences, students find non-verbal ways to express themselves and engage in the creative process. Therapeutic art emphasizes the process rather than the end result, the enjoyment rather than the pressure of perfection and the attunement to ones’ needs rather than the adaptation to others’ expectations.
Therapeutic Art Course
This course benefits individuals with special needs because it facilitates the use of different means of self-expression. It is sensitive to the fact that verbal communication is taken for granted and that not everyone can communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings verbally. In that sense, it encourages individuals to use movement, gestures, creativity and play among many other modalities to express themselves and interact with each other.
Internships
- The students are required to perform internship hours in selected establishments. The first phase is an exploration phase where students will conduct several field visits to different establishments and learn more about work, jobs, and career choices.
- Later in the program the students will be required to fulfil a required number of internship hours in these establishments. By the end of these internships, students are expected to have a good idea about their career choice for which they can seek employment or further development.
IC Cafeteria
IC Cafeteria
Spinneys Signature Downtown
Digital Department @ Jafet Library
Digital Department @ Jafet Library
Digital Department @ Jafet Library
Digital Department @ Jafet Library
Digital Department @ Jafet Library
Spinneys Signature Downtown
AUB Casper & Gambini Cafeteria
OSB Cafeteria
AUB Casper & Gambini Cafeteria
Spinneys Signature Downtown
Grab’n Go Bliss
AUB Casper & Gambini Cafeteria
Grab’n Go Bliss
Spinneys Signature Downtown
Spinneys Signature Downtown
Scholarships and Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships and financial aid is available.
Advocacy and Awareness
Advocacy and Awareness Every adult with an intellectual disability deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and independent life. The Next Step Program empowers individuals to achieve this goal by providing essential skills and resources. At Next Step we advocate for and raise awareness of this program, ensuring its reach to all who can benefit [...]
Family Support Services
Family Support Services The Next Step Program's success hinges on strong family support. Families act as a constant source of encouragement and guidance for participants, helping them navigate the program's goals and celebrate achievements. This collaboration fosters a sense of security and empowers individuals to reach their full potential
Employment Services
Employment Services “Work is the most important and central adult activity in our society. It is how everyone, including those with disabilities, is judged as being successful after completing the educational program.” Robert Muller (Muller, 1995) This program is designed to educate students on the skills that are considered essential in any employment situation, including [...]
Education
Education The Next Step Program is a university based inclusive academic and career guidance program for youth and adults who have learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other mental delays. At Next Step we believe that no one is left behind and education for special needs is the students’ right and not [...]
