Program Overview
VocaConnect is a school-based program designed to help students ages 5–18 develop real-world vocational and social skills. Built for both general and special education settings, it emphasizes independence, confidence, and life skills through hands-on, occupation-based activities. Students don’t just learn skills—they practice them in ways that carry over to school, home, and the community.
While VocaConnect is designed with school-based implementation in mind—and is especially effective in classrooms—it is flexible enough to be used in any pediatric setting. Whether you work in a private practice, outpatient or inpatient clinic, ABA center, or any therapeutic setting, the activities and framework can be adapted to meet your clients’ needs. This makes VocaConnect a versatile tool for occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, teachers, and other related service providers looking to deliver functional, real-world skill-building experiences in any environment.
Why VocaConnect?
While traditional programs often focus on isolated skills or academics, VocaConnect bridges a crucial gap by equipping learners with the practical, real-world skills needed for everyday life and long-term success. Activities are realistic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, starting as early as kindergarten and building toward career readiness in high school.
What makes it unique:
- Practical & Realistic – Each activity is designed to reflect real-world experiences—building communication, problem-solving, and self-management skills that grow with each stage of development.
- Flexible & Inclusive – Thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of abilities, with built-in sensory and adaptive supports.
- Assistive Technology & Adaptations – Guidance on using low- and high-tech tools, visuals, sensory strategies, and supports so every student can access the material.
- Research-Based – Grounded in evidence supporting functional, occupation-based interventions.
Key References Used For Research:
Bender, M., Valletutti, P. J., & Baglin, C. A. (1998). A functional assessment and curriculum for teaching students with disabilities (Vol. 2: Nonverbal communication, oral communication, and literacy preparation; 4th ed.). Pro-Ed.
Cipriano, C., Strambler, M., Ha, C., Zieher, A., McCarthy, M., Funaro, M. C., & Colleagues. (2023). The state of evidence for social and emotional learning: A contemporary meta-analysis of universal school-based SEL interventions. Child Development. (Recognized as the top-cited paper in 2022– 2023)
Ding, X., & Ding, W. (2024). Children’s Social Behaviors: Developmental Mechanisms and Implications. Behav.Sci., 14(3), 230. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs1 4030230
Gilpin, S., Syring, L., Landers, A., Egan, L., & Lee, M. (2024). Learning and human development for diverse learners [Open educational resource]. Minnesota State University Press.
Preliminary Program Evaluation:
A 4-week preliminary implementation of VocaConnect with 15 elementary students (grades K-2 and 3-5) demonstrated measurable progress in vocational task independence, communication, and peer engagement compared to the previous school year when the program was not yet implemented. Data suggest that VocaConnect may enhance student participation and goal progression while reducing therapist prep time.
On average, students independently completed structured vocational or functional tasks approximately 20–30% of the time prior to implementation. After four weeks of using VocaConnect, that average increased to 60–70%, reflecting greater task engagement and independence.
Therapists utilizing the program report greater session consistency and reduced preparation time, allowing for more intentional focus on functional participation and skill generalization.
These preliminary outcomes suggest that VocaConnect effectively promotes meaningful engagement and measurable growth within a short period of use. Continued data collection and expanded implementation are planned to further evaluate the program’s impact across additional age groups and settings.
What’s Included?
When you purchase VocaConnect, you’ll receive an interactive PDF that makes navigating the program simple and seamless:
- Clickable Table of Contents – Jump straight to any activity with a single click.
- 40+ activities organized by grade level and developmentally appropriate skills.
- Color-Coded Activities – Easily identify types of skills (vocational, social, independent living, leadership, etc.) at a glance.
- Warm-ups, skill targets, and materials lists for every activity.
- Editable materials handout with ready-to-print templates.
- 7-day-a-week support to help you implement activities smoothly and confidently.
Beyond the Classroom
The program encourages community involvement and parent participation, helping students transfer skills from therapy to daily life. Ideas for inclusive group activities and special events are included in the handbook. These community activities and events aim to allow all students—general ed and special ed alike—to collaborate, build independence, and practice real-world skills together.
Who Can Implement It?
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Teachers, other related service providers, support staff, and parents (with support from OTs and SLPs)
VocaConnect's Values
Empathy
VocaConnect emphasizes the power of empathy to transform lives. Through use of this program, therapists strive to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by each child and their families, ensuring a compassionate and personalized approach.
Innovation
VocaConnect serves as a tool that pioneers new strategies and tools that enhance the effectiveness of pediatric therapy. These innovative solutions aim to empower therapists to deliver the best possible care.
Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of VocaConnect. Therapists are given the opportunity to work closely with other therapists, families, and other support staff to create a supportive network that fosters growth and development for every child.
Excellence
VocaConnect signifies excellence and commitment to quality. The interventions outlined drive therapists to continuously improve services and outcomes, ensuring the delivery of the highest standard of support to the children and families we serve.
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