Steps with Theera – A place where everyone is accepted for who they are. A community of acceptance that embraces difference and individuality. A platform that showcases capability and highlights potential. A supporting hand to attain qualifications, sustainable employment and the opportunity to contribute to the society you live in and have a fulfilling, dignified life. The chance for equality for people with learning differences.
“There are more than 2 million people with disabilities registered in Thailand. Fewer than 25% of them are employed. Here at Steps with Theera we are a passionate team of trainers and therapists dedicated to changing this.” Max Simpson, Founder of Steps with Theera.
We are sure many of you know Steps with Theera already, either for their kid friendly cupcakes and yummy brunches, or perhaps your child sees one of their therapy specialists for Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Play Therapy. Your child might have done their CAS or Service project there, or you might have a child that attends their vocational training centre. The many ways in which Steps interacts with the community is one of the many reasons for their success.
Small Group Environment & Individualised Learning
Steps offer two UK accredited curriculums (ASDAN and BTEC) which are both portfolio based, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding in a range of ways and avoid stressful exams.
So Who Are Their Training Programmes For Exactly?
- A Life Skills Programme aimed at 14-18 year olds.
- An Employment Readiness and Vocational Training Programme for ages 18+
These two (full time) training programmes overlap to give learners the opportunity to transition to sustainable employment if that is the correct pathway for them. They are for learners who benefit from working in a smaller environment, with a more individualised and flexible approach. Steps takes a focus on functional academics and transferable skills, whilst promoting independence, self-esteem and sef-advocacy.
Light touch programmes for learners as young as 12 are also available during some of the international school and Thai school holidays.
Part Coffee Shop, part Training Centre, A Unique Life Changing Model.
All of their graduates have gone on to employment in varied sectors, including some of Bangkok’s well-known businesses such as Hyatt Regency, Rembrandt Hotel and El Mercado. Their roles vary from accounts assistant, tech support, barista, bakery assistant to shop assistants. Other graduates have gone on to further education.
It is important to note that Steps’ coffee shops (Ekamai 10, Sukhumvit 42, St Andrews 71) and Zero Waste Shops (St Andrews 71, Blue Tree Phuket) are platforms for their learners to gain transferable, on the job skills and are also community spaces that demonstrate the many capabilities and talents of the neuro-diverse world. Whilst some of their graduates do continue into the F&B industry, the majority benefit from the skills they learn on site and go on to other education or employment pathways.
So whether you have a child who might benefit from their alternative pathways or need a new brunch spot, think of Steps. Every interaction with them helps to bring their mission of an inclusive society to reality.
Click here to find out more about their summer programme.
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