DigitAbility: unlocking career success for students with cognitive disabilities

• April 15, 2024
• admin

DigitAbility stands as an award-winning, work-ready program designed to prepare students with autism and cognitive disabilities for the dynamic, technology-driven workplaces of today.

With a focus on digital literacy, social skills, and contextual understanding of technology’s role in the workplace, DigitAbility serves as a vital bridge from education to fulfilling employment, ensuring students develop into independent self-advocates.

What is DigitAbility?

In a world where nearly 75% of jobs require digital literacy, individuals with cognitive disabilities face significant barriers to achieving independence without essential work-ready skills. Recognizing this gap, DigitAbility was crafted to empower students and equip them with the tools needed to navigate the modern workforce successfully.

DigitAbility’s roots lie in the advocacy of Michele McKeone, M. Ed., a special education teacher deeply committed to her students’ success. Observing the pervasive unemployment and underemployment among individuals with cognitive disabilities, Michele identified the urgent need for interventions to address the social and psychological barriers hindering their independence.

A user-friendly training offer

DigitAbility’s user-friendly web-based software provides access to a vast library of video lessons, all designed using principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Each lesson is complemented by offline resources such as lesson plans, social games, and work simulations, catering to diverse learning needs and facilitating effective transition planning.

The award-winning program consists of four levels, each strategically designed to build upon the previous one and progressively enhance skills and confidence:

• Internet Navigator
• Digital citizen
• Tech ambassador
• Prime Professional

With a unique approach

DigitAbility’s curriculum goes beyond traditional skill teaching by immersing students in real-world simulations and evidence-based practices. This ensures that the skills learned are practical and easily transferable to real-life work situations. The program emphasizes self-regulation, problem-solving, and flexible thinking to empower individuals for long-term success. It offers the following:

• Year-long, one-on-one personalized coaching tailored to classroom needs
• A transition curriculum that focuses on digital literacy and work-ready skills
• Alignment of Individual Education Program goals with project-based learning
• Training in financial literacy, resume building, online safety, workplace communication, and more

Achieving meaningful employment

With over 70% of individuals with cognitive disabilities currently unemployed, DigitAbility is committed to changing this statistic. Nearly 70% of their first graduating cohort have successfully secured meaningful employment, underscoring the effectiveness of their innovative approach.