Breaking Barriers: How ACL Essex is Opening Doors for Adults with Learning Disabilities
Across Essex, learners with disabilities are discovering new skills, confidence and independence thanks to ACL Essex’s Supported Learning programme. At the heart of its success is Sharron Howard, Curriculum Lead, who was recently honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to inclusive education. She joined the organisation 24 years ago as a student but has spent the last 22 years as an employee of ACL, working as a teacher, and for the last nine years as Curriculum Lead for Supported Learning.
Sharron leads the Supported Learning programmes of study, which are designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities and autism. What sets it apart is the way it combines practical employability skills and independent living with additional creative opportunities, while also nurturing health and wellbeing. Under Sharron’s leadership, the number of courses has grown to cover a broad range of subjects, ensuring there truly is something for everyone.
A Wide Range of Courses
Learners across Essex can access courses in centres across the county, such as Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon and Witham with additional courses in outreach venues. Each course is carefully designed to balance structured learning within an enjoyable, supportive environment where learners feel safe and inspired.
She explained: “I love my job. It’s so important we all get the same chance to thrive and it’s always so inspiring when I see someone go through our courses, learn new skills, grow in confidence and get a new job at the end.”
“Lifelong learning is important to everyone. No matter what your goals are, we are here to assist people every step of the way. We take pride providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment that’s accessible for all. In addition to assisting residents in gaining skills and qualifications, ACL is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities through education. By giving people access to support, their health, wellbeing, independence, and sense of belonging, as well as confidence grows.”
Crucially courses empower individuals with learning disabilities to work and live independently, with all the skills that are essential for living full, independent lives.
Recently Sharron was presented with an award at the annual ACL Awards for her innovation. Reflecting on her award, Sharron said:
“I feel incredibly honoured to have received this award, it means so much to me personally, but more importantly, it shines a light on the amazing learners we work with every day. Everyone deserves the chance to get on in their life and reach their own goals. That’s why our Supported Learning courses offer people in our communities so much. We provide so much more than education, we offer equality, dignity, and give people the chance to live full, independent and happy lives.”
ACL Essex is offering a series of courses to start this September, including:
- Employability Skills – preparing people for the workplace with practical guidance and confidence-building.
- Hospitality and Catering – developing knowledge and practical skills to move into the hospitality industry.
- Media skills – supporting students on their first steps into a career in digital media
- Volunteering Skills – with opportunities to volunteer in charity shops, hospitals, within manual trades and with animals
- Hospitality and tourism – developing customer service skills and knowledge of their local area to enable students to inform customers of local opportunities
- Money and Budgeting – giving learners essential financial management skills.
- Digital Starters and Next Steps – supporting learners to get online and use technology safely.
- Independent Living – enabling learners to live with greater independence.
Alongside these, a suite of courses to support developing communication, confidence and teamworking in a accessible, hands-on learning environment that allows learners to explore talents and passions they may never have discovered otherwise.
Recognising the work the Supported Learning team undertake in the community is Lisa Jarentowski, Principal of ACL Essex. She added: “We are so proud of Sharron and her team. Their creativity, passion and dedication have made Supported Learning a thriving, life-changing programme across the county. Sharron’s work, particularly in developing new and innovative programmes, is a powerful example of how ACL Essex is committed to meeting the real needs of our community. This award is richly deserved.”
To find out more about the support offered by ACL Essex, visit www.aclessex.com/supported-learning.
