Support & Connect Launches Revolutionary ALPS Program for Students Who Cant Complete Full School Day

ADELAIDE, Australia - Aug. 20, 2025 - PRLog -- Support & Connect today announced the successful launch of its Adaptive Learning Pathways in Schools (ALPS) program, following a highly successful six-month trial at St. Joseph's School Renmark. The innovative program addresses the growing need for alternative learning solutions for students who cannot complete full school days due to sensory overwhelm and learning difficulties.

The ALPS program provides one-on-one mentoring for students who struggle in traditional classroom environments, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory processing challenges. Rather than keeping these students in overwhelming school settings where they often fail to learn, the program extracts them during challenging periods like lunchtime to engage in adaptive learning activities.

"We've been really transparent with our monthly progress reports, and both the principal and I are really happy with the results," said Dylan Blackley, Director at Support & Connect. "The teacher is happy, parents are happy. It's like hiding the vegetables in the mashed potato – most of the time, kids don't even know they're learning."

The program focuses on capacity building rather than academic subjects, teaching essential life skills including road awareness, emotional regulation, trigger identification, and social skills like learning how to lose gracefully. Students access a specially designed hub featuring sensory-friendly equipment including trampolines, rock climbing walls, and balance beams to develop fine motor skills and physical coordination.

Following the successful trial, Support & Connect plans to expand the ALPS program to additional schools throughout the Riverland region. The program can be funded through NDIS mental health supports or school wellbeing funding pools, making it accessible to families through multiple pathways.

"This isn't a babysitting service," Blackley emphasised. "Students are still learning – just in a different way that works for their specific needs. We're filling a crucial gap in disability support services in the Riverland."

The program represents a shift away from forcing students with disabilities to remain in traditional classroom settings when they're not benefiting academically or emotionally. By providing alternative learning environments, the ALPS program enables these students to develop crucial life skills while reducing stress and overwhelm.

About Support & Connect: Support & Connect provides personalised disability support and mentoring services to help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and achieve their goals. With a focus on community, independence, and empowerment, Support & Connect works alongside families and schools to create meaningful outcomes. Visit https://supportandconnect.com.au to learn more.