About the Program: Open Doors

Program Overview

1. Orientation & Immediate Letterboard Introduction

Focus: Build trust, regulation, and early motor control while beginning consistent letterboard use.
Core Goals: Establish comfort, learn foundational motor patterns (posture, arm movement, and pointing in and out).

2. Motor & Regulation Foundations

Focus: Strengthen fine and gross motor control, endurance, and rhythm for reliable communication.
Core Goals: Develop smooth, accurate, and intentional pointing with co-regulation support.

3. Expanding Communication & Comprehension

Focus: Build accuracy, stamina, and confidence using structured lessons.
Core Goals: Myelinate pointing by practice and maintain skills learned (posture, arm movement, and pointing in and out).

4. Group Connection & Peer Integration

Focus: Increase social interaction and shared learning experiences.
Core Goals: Engage in group spelling and collaborative activities.

5. Independent Expression & Transition

Focus: Strengthen independent communication and prepare for integration into main Center programs
Core Goals: Practice spelling in broad semi-open questions making the first step towards open communication

Frequency: 1–2 days per week, 2–3 hours per day, the rest of the time spent integrated with other spellers.

Phase Details

Phase 1: Orientation & Immediate Letterboard Introduction

Begin every session with letterboard practice to establish routine and familiarity.

Focus on rhythm, regulation, and purposeful pointing from the first day.
Identify each client’s optimal regulation supports (movement, sensory tools, pacing).
Parents can observe early sessions to understand the S2C process.

Activities:

Co-regulated spelling
Movement and grounding exercises between spelling intervals.
Sensory exploration and building the client’s personal “Regulation Toolkit.”
Family learning sessions: Presuming Competence & Introduction to S2C.

Phase 2: Motor & Regulation Foundations

Continue consistent spelling while focusing on motor precision and control.
Introduce rhythm patterns, pacing, and stable pointing movements.
Integrate visual-motor strengthening (tracing, ball tracking, mazes).
Support regulation before and during sessions with individualized sensory plans.

Activities:

1:1 spelling lessons on familiar, engaging topics.
Motor skill drills (steady arm, visual focus, rhythm counting).
Continued family observation and coaching.

Phase 3: Expanding Communication & Comprehension

Begin small group regulation warm-ups and shared spelling experiences.

Activities:

Short group spelling activities.
Thematic academic lessons (science, history, current events).

Phase 4: Group Connection & Peer Integration

Integrate Open Doors participants into Center-wide activities (Book Club, personal projects).

Pair with experienced spellers for modeling and encouragement.
Build confidence in speaking within group settings and structured discussions.

Activities:

Peer spelling collaborations.
Creative group projects (art, writing, advocacy).
“Buddy Days” with advanced spellers.

Phase 5: Independent Expression & Transition

Focus on developing consistent, independent communication through spelling.
Encourage spontaneous communication during lessons and social interactions.
Assess readiness for full integration into advanced Center programs.
Celebrate progress and self-expression with a graduation event.

Activities:

Reflective projects (e.g., “My Journey Through Open Doors”).
Participation in group discussions or presentations.

📘 Family & Caregiver Involvement

Monthly Family Workshops: education on S2C strategies and co-regulation.
Quarterly Progress Reviews: collaborative discussion of growth and next steps.
Family Observation Days: to model home practice and build confidence.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of Open Doors, participants will:

1. Use the letterboard with consistency and accuracy.
2. Demonstrate sustained regulation and attention.
3. Participate in group spelling or discussion activities.
4. Emerging communication through S2C with appropriate support.
5. Transition successfully into the Center’s main academic and social programs.

🎓 Completion

Graduates of Open Doors receive a Certificate of Achievement and are formally welcomed into the Center’s core programming. Their families join the larger Center community of advocacy, education, and connection.