About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Index to Frequently Asked Questions, or scroll down page
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Tell me about your internship program?
We offer internships for a volunteers of a variety of ages and with a variety of neurodiverse backgrounds! Our goal is to match the volunteer’s strengths and interests with need that we have within the organization. Often we match interns together with various skills and needs, to work collaboratively in a group. One recent example of this was an individual who excelled at video production but needed structure in determining the content and script for the video. He was matched with an individual who had a passion and keen eye for spreading the message of those who were underserved… and was able to write the detailed script that the video production expert needed. Together they were also matched with an individual passionate about self-advocacy who conducted many of the interviews for the video, along with another young man who simply enjoyed making credit rolls. All four of them experienced various needs related to their neurodiversity, but we were able to capitalize on their strengths to produce an amazing video!
These internships opportunities extend to anyone, whether or not they are neurodiverse, as we often can provide positions within our organization that can help people in building their resumes while cultivating technology skills sought after in the workplace. Feel free to contact us to find out more!
What is the teaching philosophy for your classes?
We believe that successful youth and adults are ones who not only have the tech-savvy skills to interact with the modern world, but the social IQ to make a positive contribution to society.
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We do this by engaging their imaginations, through fun "learning by doing" activities that motivate them to explore their interests, collaborate with their fellow participants, and then take a self-advocacy and/or leadership role either their own project, or sometimes even in their community or beyond.
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What starts out for them as, perhaps, starring as a "hero" in their own, say, animated video, has the potential of developing social skills that enable them to be a "hero" in their own lives and beyond.
What is the teaching style?
At Inclusive Technology of Washington, we utilize a variety of teaching styles (such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), to engage every student where they are at.
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We seek to elevate the strengths of each student and help them to become the kind of self-advocate and/or leader that they want to be.
Can you briefly describe one of your classes and what a typical schedule for the day includes?
All workshops and classes begin with exploration. Self-advocacy, interpersonal effectiveness, and/or leadership skills are often the focus of this exploration time.
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For video camps or classes, this involves creating a character the participant wants to portray in their video. For coding, this involves exploring the “story” the participant wants to tell. For graphic arts or other computer tools classes, this involves cultivating the intended message of the project. For a Girl Scout workshop, scouts will play a series of games, and/or activities on the computer that take a fun look at the topic related to their “journey” or badge.
What kind of skills should my kids expect to learn and practice?
In addition to the "social IQ" skills mentioned above, participants will learn a variety of technical skills.
These can include non-linear video editing, photo editing and manipulation, scriptwriting software, basic animation and computer coding, or a combination of these (depending upon the class or camp).
I notice you offer classes for individuals who are neurodiverse. What experience level do the instructors have to teach this group of individuals?
All of our instructors have a combination of a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a human services field (such as psychology, sociology, education, and/or rehabilitation) and/or extensive experience working with individuals who are neurodiverse. In addition, our instructors have received education and/or training in the use of technology, particularly in the various software packages that we teach. This combination of skills is very hard to come by… often a person’s career path either involves human services OR technology, so we greatly appreciate that our instructors have chosen to take the time to be proficient in BOTH!
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In addition to adult leadership, we utilize several youth and college-age students. All instructors have received instruction in youth leadership and are experienced at interacting with students from a variety of backgrounds.
I notice you offer classes tied to Girl Scout Journeys and Leadership Awards. What is your connection to Girl Scouts?
Ruth Bacha, the founder of Inclusive Technology of Washington, was a Girl Scout troop leader for over 15 years for a troop of neurodiverse girls. She implemented many "badge workshops." of those years as a leader.
Kira Sorensen, our CEO and Program Manager, participated in Girl Scouts throughout all the program levels growing up, including assisting in leading many area-wide scouting events. She has been an instructor of Girl Scout programs with Engage Thru Tech, which is Inclusive Technology of Washington’s predecessor, for over ten years!
What is the typical workshop student to teacher ratio?
Our student-to-teacher ratio varies depending upon the program, We have many students who qualify to receive services on a 1:1 basis or a small group size of 1:2 or 1:3. For programs and students not requiring intensive supervision, the range is typically between 1:4 and 1:6… and sometimes as high as 1:10.
What are your minimum registrations for a custom Girl Scout workshop?
Minimums for single programs in the greater Seattle area are 10, and outside Seattle are 12.
Minimums for multiple-program levels in greater Seattle are 12 and outside Seattle are 14.
Maximum is 18-30 girls, depending upon the program.
Troops are responsible for supplying meeting location, safety-wise adult ratios, permission slips, tables/chairs, and food for participants (if applicable).
What ages are your classes suitable for?
Programs for neurodiverse individuals usually run as low as 8 years old, although we can serve individuals who are younger than this, depending upon their attention span. And we run programs for neurodiverse adults of all ages!
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Integrated Summer Camps typically are for youth ages 7 to 10, or 9 to 13. We also offer Summer Camps for neurodiverse youth and adults as well… usually running from age 16 and above.
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For the Girl Scout workshops, we have various programs suitable for Daisies through Ambassadors (Kindergarten through 12th grade).
Can you accommodate kids with special needs?
Absolutely!
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All of our adult facilitators have special training and years of experience working with those with special needs, and many of the youth facilitators do as well.
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If your student has special needs, we look forward to collaborating with you to implement whatever accommodations are needed to be in place to facilitate your student’s success.
What is your Girl Scout Custom Program cancellation policy?
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We ask for payment in full at least two weeks prior to the event.
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If you need to cancel that reservation greater than two weeks prior to the event, we will fully refund your payment.
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For cancellations within two weeks of the event, we will issue a credit on a subsequent workshop that we will coordinate with you to reschedule.