Every child learns differently. While some kids flourish in traditional classroom settings, others need a different approach to reach their full potential. For young people with disabilities, the classroom can sometimes feel overwhelming or limiting. That’s where programs like ALPS (Adaptive Learning Pathways in Schools) come in, offering a fresh way to learn, grow, and build confidence.
We sat down with Gemma, one of our experienced ALPS mentors, to get her insights on how this innovative program is changing lives for young people across our community. Her passion for helping kids discover their strengths shines through every story she shares.
From Teaching Dreams to Disability Support
Gemma’s journey into disability support wasn’t straightforward. Like many of our team members, she found her calling through experience rather than initial planning.
“I was going to be a teacher for three years at uni,” Gemma explains. “But after doing a placement, I discovered I didn’t really want to do teaching. When Dylan approached me about giving this work a go, I did a few shadow shifts and fell in love with it.”
What drew her in was seeing the genuine need in the community. “I could see there’s a massive need and it’s a growing field. It just suited my personality and what I think is really important for society and the community.”
This path from traditional education into disability support is common among our mentors. Many discover that their skills and passion for helping young people can have even greater impact outside conventional classroom walls.
Breaking Free from the Traditional Classroom Box
One of the biggest challenges Gemma noticed during her teaching placement was seeing students struggle in rigid classroom environments. “I could see students that were struggling to be in that classroom setting, and it’s understandable. Not everybody fits into this little square that schools put us into.”
The ALPS program takes a completely different approach. Instead of forcing kids to adapt to a one-size-fits-all system, it creates adaptive learning pathways that work for each individual child.
“There are other ways to learn outside of a school setting. You learn by doing things. Getting kids out of the classroom and doing things practically is the best thing, I believe,” Gemma shares.
This hands-on approach means kids aren’t just reading about concepts in textbooks – they’re living them. Whether it’s learning about money by actually shopping for groceries, or developing coordination through sports activities, every lesson has real-world relevance.
Real Learning Through Real Experiences
So what does a typical ALPS session actually look like? Gemma walks us through the variety of activities that make up a day:
“Usually we leave it up to the client to decide what they’d want to do. We might go to the library and pick out some books to practice reading. Then we might go to the playground to learn skills like climbing, building body awareness and safety.”
But it’s not just fun and games. Every activity has purpose. “Sometimes we’ll go to the shops and teach kids awareness around money. Taking them to buy a piece of fruit helps them understand how much that costs, how much money they’ve got, and how to interact with other people using their manners.”
The program also focuses heavily on social skills that are crucial for independence. “We play games with kids, whether it’s a card game or a running race, and they learn grace when they win or lose. They learn how to be humble when they win and gracious when they lose.”
These aren’t skills you can easily teach from a textbook – they need to be experienced and practised in real situations through adaptive learning pathways that meet each child where they’re at.
Celebrating Every Small Victory
Perhaps the most rewarding part of being an ALPS mentor is witnessing the transformations that happen over time. Gemma lights up when talking about one particular participant who has grown tremendously since joining the program.
“When we started, if she would lose a game, she would throw a massive tantrum and get really upset. She wouldn’t like to try anything new, and if she failed, she’d get really upset.”
The change has been remarkable. “Now she gives everything a crack. She’ll ask me to try new things as well. She’ll celebrate my wins too and pump up my tyres. She’s learned those social skills.”
But it’s not just about managing emotions. It’s about building genuine connections with others. “Even when interacting with other clients at the playground or hub, she’ll have conversations with them, greet them, let them play with us. She’s learned about taking turns and sharing, which is massive.”
These transformations don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of consistent, patient support that creates personalised adaptive learning pathways for each young person.
More Than Just Support – It’s Partnership
The ALPS program doesn’t work in isolation. Success comes from strong partnerships between mentors, families, and schools. “We have regular meetings with parents and teachers,” Gemma explains. “The clients and their parents make the goals, and we even get goals from teachers that they want us to hit.”
This collaborative approach ensures everyone is working towards the same outcomes while maintaining the adaptive learning pathways that work best for each individual student. “We remind the kids of these goals and congratulate their wins when they achieve them.”
For families, this partnership approach means they’re not alone in supporting their child’s development. They have a dedicated team working alongside them, celebrating every milestone and working through every challenge.
The Freedom to Be Themselves
What makes ALPS different from traditional classroom learning isn’t just the location, it’s the entire philosophy of creating adaptive pathways that honour each child’s unique way of learning. “You’re getting all of their needs met directly instead of waiting for a teacher to come to them,” Gemma points out.
The program offers something that’s often missing in traditional education: choice and autonomy. “We change things up every single week, and it’s up to the client to decide what. So they’ve got more autonomy and self-control on what they do and how they learn.”
This flexibility allows young people to explore their interests while still working on important skills. “It almost doesn’t feel like they’re learning,” Gemma notes with a smile.
Looking to the Future
When asked about the future of programs like ALPS, Gemma is enthusiastic. “I think it is the future. Things are changing now, and we can’t be confined to this little box. I know so many students need this.”
Her vision extends beyond just individual success stories. “I think it would be very beneficial for a lot of kids and families who are motivated to push their kids to improve and develop skills.”
The program represents a shift towards more personalised, adaptive learning pathways that benefit not just young people with disabilities, but all learners who need something different from traditional classroom approaches.
Take the First Step
If you’re reading this and wondering whether your child might benefit from adaptive learning pathways designed just for them, Gemma has simple advice: “Just give it a crack.”
The ALPS program offers young people the chance to learn and grow in an environment that celebrates their unique strengths while building essential life skills. It’s convenient for families – mentors pick participants up from school and return them afterwards – and it’s designed to complement, not replace, traditional education.
Every young person deserves the chance to thrive in their own way. If your child is struggling in traditional classroom settings or could benefit from additional support in building independence and confidence, the ALPS program’s adaptive learning pathways might be the perfect fit.
Ready to learn more about how ALPS could support your child’s journey? Contact Support & Connect today to discuss your family’s needs and discover how our experienced mentors can help your young person build skills, confidence, and independence through personalised adaptive learning pathways.
Support & Connect is here to help young people with disabilities reach their full potential through innovative programs like ALPS. Our experienced mentors work alongside families and schools to create personalised support that makes a real difference.
Gemma Letton | Support & Connect ALPS Mentor
