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Geneva - The Ecumenical Center
150, Route de Ferney,
P.O Box 2100, 1211, Geneva 2
Visitors/GPS address :
The Ecumenical Center
1 Route des Morillons,
1218 Grand-Saconnex
+41(0)22 788 21 02
info@allspecialkids.org 
ACCESS Program
The ACCESS Program is exclusively designed to teach lifelong learning beyond the classroom, to meet the unique needs of young adults from 17 years and up. Adults who join the program may have diagnoses of Autism, AD(H)D, or other additional learning needs. The individualized Program is available in full and part-time (module) options.
The Program
Why ACCESS
Real world learning experiences to develop real world skills
As we recognize each adult as an individual, with their own unique interests and strengths, our program is tailored to explore preferences, build self-confidence, and teach socially significant skills that will empower each person to reach their own potential.
The program is presented in a way to meet the unique learning needs and interests of the individual. Each intern is assessed to identify their core strengths and target skills. The program utilises evidence-based methodologies to teach and strengthen the target areas.
The core elements of the program include:
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Individualised Program based on skill assessment:
- Person Centred Plan (PCP) which details the individual’s strengths and learning goals
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1:1 and small group instruction to target a range of curricular areas.
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Ongoing performance monitoring and strategic analysis of learning patterns, to guide individualised program development.
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Community inclusive opportunities:
- Peer mediated Interventions to target social skills
- Focus on Natural Environmental Teaching (NET) to foster functional life skills (e.g., transport use, management of bank accounts, making appointments)
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Work orientation and integration:
- Placement opportunities to support direct work skills and workplace social integration.
- Planing and organisation programs to promote independence.
- Consultative integration module for community partners.
- Workshops for CV preparation and interview skills.
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Nicolas Dumolin, Muséum d’histoire naturelle (MHN)
J’ai eu énormément de plaisir à recevoir Elias au Museum d’histoire naturelle de Genève, durant quelques semaine. Son enthousiasme et son intérêt à découvrir le métier de la surveillance et de la sécurité m’ont donné beaucoup de joie. Toute l’équipe de la sécurité garde un bon souvenir d’Elias. L’équipe d’encadrement ainsi que le coach étaient super et bien veillant, nous avons eu beaucoup de plaisir à partager cette expérience avec eux.
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Dr David Claivaz, IIL
I am deeply impressed with the generous and sincere engagement of ASK in favor of kids with Special Education Needs, as well as the neurotypical ones.
I wrote an IIL Blog Post called “The Essence of Learning”. Google the title to find out more.
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Parent
It was very helpful to have so much positive feedback on the idea of James going into a special school as I was not sure that it was the best thing for him, but it looks like it is a very good option. It’s important to have a group where you can say almost anything and not feel judged or criticised to get the feedback, support and ideas from others and be able to off load a bit of the pressure !
70% of the program consists of real-life experiences to learn new skills in an inclusive environment.
Our Team
Dr. Jennifer Holloway
C.Psychol., Ps.S.I., BCBA-D ACCESS Director
Jennifer is the Director of the ACCESS program, a Chartered Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She worked with adults with differential learning needs within clinical services and the university settings. Jennifer has published many articles on evidenced based interventions and social inclusion for adults. In her role as Director of the ACCESS program, Jennifer works closely with the ACCESS team to support the delivery of the program and makes adaptations to curricula and practices to ensure the program is individualized to meet the learning needs of the interns.
Dr. Lorna Barry
BCBA, M.Ps.S.I, MSc., Ph.D.ACCESS Program Supervisor
My name is Lorna and I am the ACCESS Program Supervisor. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, and obtained my MSc. In Applied Behaviour Analysis in the National University of Ireland, Galway, and my Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Limerick, Ireland. I have extensive experience working with young people and young adults, helping them to build life skills and independence within their communities, using an individualised, person-centred approach. I am very much looking forward to working with the ACCESS team and interns to support them to achieve their goals.
Tanya Esmeral
Psychologist, MS
I am Tanya, I am a psychologist with a Masters Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training. I am an ACCESS Coach. I have worked with adults with different emotional difficulties, particularly anxiety disorders and clients who are looking for life long and sustainables changes through behavioral interventions. I am looking forward to working with the ACCESS community.
Laura Alfageme
BSc SLT
My name is Laura and I am a coach in the ACCESS program. I am a British trained and qualified speech and language therapist working with patients with learning differences, autism and speech and language difficulties. I have worked with young adults on social skills and independence skills in small group settings and raising their self esteem to support them to become members of their wider social communities. I look forward to working with all our interns in the ACCESS program.
Kavita Singh
Clinical Psychologist, MA
I am Kavita. I am working with ACCESS program as a facilitator. I obtained my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Mumbai University, India. I am skilled in diagnosis and providing customized therapy. I have worked with multiple age groups in multicultural settings. I am looking forward to supporting the interns to achieve their potential within community settings.
Jawan Al Fadel
ACCESS Facilitator
My name is Jawan and I am a facilitator in the ACCESS program. I am combining my knowledge in sociology/anthropology and my expertise as a health coach to push the interns’ potential. I also have more than two years of experience as a Project Manager working in the disability sector. I am happy to work with the interns to develop their cooking skills, give them the right tools to eat healthy nutritious food and help them to achieve their goals.
Danai Orlandatou
BSc psychology, MSc clinical
My name is Danai and I am a facilitator at ACCESS program. I am a clinical psychologist with a master’s degree in clinical and developmental psychology (university of Geneva) and a CBT trainee. I am also trained in Acceptance Commitment (ACT) and Compassion Therapy (CFT). I am looking forward to working with the ACCESS team and the interns, supporting them in the achievement of their goals and in building their inner compassion self.
Who Will Benefit
The ACCESS program aims to support young adults aged from 17 years, with differential learning needs and a motivation to explore and learn new skills which are designed to improve social and community inclusion opportunities. Differential learning needs can include:
- Asperger Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
Enrolment in the ACCESS program may be covered by Disability Insurance if the individual is insured. Find out if your son/daughter is eligible for disability insurance benefits here.
Curriculum Overview
Group and individual sessions will be delivered by our specialised team with expertise in clinical psychology, nutrition, work orientation & integration, behavior support, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), sports, and/or Speech & Language.
The ACCESS curriculum targets a range of pivotal repertoires delivered through a series of modules. Participants can opt for a full-time program or select modules (part-time option) based on their own motivation and goals. All modules have basic and advanced level options to ensure all needs are met.
- Work Orientation & Integration
- Social Skills
- Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
- Functional Life Skills
- Organisation, Self-management & Leisure Skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Education
- Preparing for Further Training Opportunities
- University Preparation
- Psychosexual Education and Relationships
- PEERS® Module
Registration
Parents or young adults who wish to apply for a place are invited to contact the office to arrange to meet with a member of the ACCESS team. At this meeting, we will discuss how the program might meet the individual’s needs. Registration forms and information on fees will be given at the initial meeting.
Contact usOur Programs
ACCESS Program 22-23Young AdultOngoing
ACCESS Summer ClubYoung Adult
ACCESS Program 23-24Young Adult
Our Partners
