Establish an educational program that focuses on individual needs, the strengths of the students, their choices for continued education in specific careers of their choices. This program accommodates the following criteria:
- Nurtures student’s interests and strengths.
- Ensures a guided career path in the areas of interest of the individual students.
- Pertains to diversity in the curriculum and the educational setup, as well as the tools and strategies that respond to the individual needs of every student regardless of his or her disability.
- Targets the skills, tools, and the means that will allow each student to develop their potentials to the level needed to ensure employment and independent living, and to nurture responsible respected citizens.
- Accommodates placement and follow up on employment and independent living.
Our mission is to empower students with special needs by providing them with the necessary academic knowledge, skills, and learning opportunities. We are dedicated to preparing them for future education and successful job placement, ensuring their growth into productive and independent members of their community. Through our comprehensive programs and support, we strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that fosters the holistic development of each student. By equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, we aim to break down barriers and promote equal opportunities for all individuals with special needs. Ultimately, our mission is to enable our students to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society.
Next Step is an educational program that was established with the vision of providing a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for students with special needs. The program aims to nurture the individual strengths and interests of each student while guiding them towards a career path aligned with their areas of interest and choice.
Next Step was founded in collaboration with the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association (LDSA), a prominent organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Lebanon. Recognizing the need for specialized educational programs that cater to the unique needs of students with special needs, LDSA partnered with Next Step to create a transformative learning environment.
“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)
In October 2020 and during Covid, our cohort of 10 students fulfilled their dreams and were able to graduate. Doctor Fadlo Khoury, the president of American University of Beirut, handed in the certificates of completion to each student at Next Step. Today, 6 out of these students have already been offered a paid job.
Zeina Salem (class of 2020) has a paid job at Learn and Play Day Care.
Yasser Berjawi and Reem Ariss (class of 2020) have a paid job at AUB OSB Cafeteria.
Salma Attar and Omar Khaled (class of 2020) have a paid job at Diet Center.
Lama Wattar (class of 2020) has a paid job at Terre Des Hommes. Lama has recently been appointed as a board member of the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association
