Damian Builds Skills and Independence at B.E.S.T. Academy

Damian has been part of the B.E.S.T. Academy community since 2021. Over the past several years, staff have watched him grow into a more confident and independent student.

When he first arrived at B.E.S.T. Academy, Damian was quiet and reserved and needed support with communication and completing tasks. As he became more comfortable at school, he developed trusting relationships with staff and classmates. He also began taking on new challenges and showing what he could do.

Building Independence Through Communication

One area where Damian has made significant progress is communication. He now uses his communication device more independently and confidently.

He uses it to greet and respond to others, participate in academic activities, and express his wants and needs. Damian also uses the device during social skills lessons. It helps him identify functional items and recognize different emotions.

Developing Vocational Skills

Damian has also made strides in vocational learning. He has learned clerical tasks such as paper clipping, hole punching, and stapling. He is now learning to make copies.

Damian has mastered assembly projects, including putting together hygiene and school supply bags. He especially enjoys completing tasks related to the school’s vending machine. As he learns new skills, Damian is increasingly able to complete tasks on his own.

“I am so proud of all the growth Damian has made since I have known him,” said School Director Melissa Dirzius.

Growing Confidence in the Classroom

His growing independence has helped him become a positive example for other students in the classroom.

“Damian has become much more independent and confident in his work,” said his current classroom teacher, Ms. Sutcliffe. “He can complete assembly tasks on his own, follow multistep directions, and transition between activities, even when moving from something he prefers to a less preferred task. I’ve also seen a lot of growth in his ability to work through several jigsaw puzzles at once. I’m very proud of the progress he continues to make.”

Continuing to Build Independence

As Damian begins another school year at B.E.S.T. Academy, he is working toward greater independence with the vocational and clerical tasks he has already learned.

Staff will continue supporting him as he strengthens those skills and takes on more responsibility with less assistance.