ACL Essex marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2025 by looking back on a year of achievement for inclusive education.
ACL Essex celebrated learners, staff, and a Supported Learning programme. Together they transform lives across the county.
Supported Learning has strengthened ACL Essex’s commitment to breaking down barriers during 2025.
Supported Learning provides tailor-made courses that mix practical skills, independence training, and creativity. It gives confidence-building in a safe and accessible environment, while also developing essential employment skills and supporting progression in academic learning.
Employment pathway courses include: Employability Skills, hospitality, health and social care, animal care, media skills and more. Independent Living pathway courses range from home, community and money to mind, body and gardening.
These pathways help learners gain practical skills for work and everyday life. They also help them build confidence and independence.
Sharron Howard, ACL Essex Curriculum Lead for Supported Learning, is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. She recently received an award honouring her exceptional contribution to inclusive education. She said: “Everyone deserves the chance to thrive. ACL Essex courses don’t just teach skills. They build confidence, independence, and dignity.”
ACL Essex’s approach goes beyond the classroom. Its offers assistive technology, adapted teaching styles, personalised support. There are clear progression routes into work, volunteering, and further study. The support has helped learners move closer to their goals.
Two learners, Mia and Tom, have benefitted from the ACL Essex approach. Mia explained: “Being a helper has helped me gain skills and confidence. I’ve taken lots of supported learning courses… I love everything about ACL.”
For Tom the programme has opened doors to independence and employment: “I like the cookery class. It’s helping me for when I get my own place. I’m working with Essex Cares Limited, looking for a job, and I could work in a kitchen.”
ACL Essex Principal Lisa Jarentowski praised the Supported Learning team’s dedication: “We are proud of Sharron and her team. Their creativity and dedication have made Supported Learning a thriving, life-changing programme. The learners have gained so much. This work is a powerful example of how ACL Essex meets the real needs of our community.”
To find out more about the ACL Essex Supported Learning courses, visit: www.aclessex.com/supported-learning
