Empowering decision making: how ASDAN supports independence at ACE Wigan

At ACE (Adult Community Education) Wigan, learning is about far more than completing activities or gaining certificates. It’s about supporting adults with learning disabilities and neurodiverse needs to make choices, build confidence and take greater control over their lives.  

Founded in 1990, ACE Wigan has been a key daytime learning and support service in the local community, offering education, personal development and meaningful activities for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiverse needs. Today, the centre supports 36 learners across two sites, providing a structured, secure environment where individuals can develop skills at their own pace.   

“We’re here to help our learners flourish,” says Tracey Helm, Centre Manager at ACE. “That means supporting them to make choices, to develop and retain skills, and to feel confident and proud of what they achieve.” 

Creating space for choice and ownership 

Before adopting ASDAN, ACE found that their existing syllabuses no longer met learners’ needs. Units had been repeated multiple times, variety was limited, and both learners and staff felt progression had stalled. 

“We needed something more up to date,” Tracey explains. “Something flexible, with no time constraints or exams, that allowed learners to work at their own pace, but still work towards nationally recognised certification.” 

ASDAN’s modular programmes offered exactly that. ACE began with Towards Independence, later adding Transition Challenge, Employability, and the Personal Development Programmes. 

The opportunity for learners to make decisions about their own learning is a crucial element at ACE, where they are supported to choose modules that reflect their interests, aspirations and support plans. 

“A key goal for us was a person-centred curriculum,” Tracey says. “ASDAN allows learners to select the modules they want to complete, which gives them a real sense of ownership.” 

Decision making in everyday learning 

ASDAN’s flexible structure enables ACE staff to tailor learning to individual needs while encouraging learners to practise decision making – one of ASDAN’s six core skills – in practical, accessible ways. 

“The structure of the sections and activities is thoughtfully designed,” says tutor Rachael. “It allows us to adapt our teaching to learners’ different interests and skill levels.” 

Tutor Helena adds: “The minimum section requirements make it easy to personalise sessions. Learners can decide how much support they need and how they want to present their work.” 

Learning Support Worker Rebecca highlights the impact this has on learners’ confidence: 

“ASDAN courses are flexible and accessible, which means learners can make choices that work for them. That makes learning more inclusive, enjoyable and engaging.” 

From choosing activities and topics, to deciding how to evidence their work, learners are regularly encouraged to make their own choices, building confidence in their own judgement and preferences. 

Learning through experiences 

Much of ACE’s ASDAN delivery is rooted in real-world experiences, where decision making becomes practical and meaningful. Learners regularly take part in educational visits and community activities, including trips to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Manchester Airport, museums, theatres, parks and local attractions.

They have also engaged in drama workshops, craft sessions, talks from local services, and fundraising events – including a seven mile sponsored walk between ACE’s two sites. Learners chose how to take part, with some completing the full distance in one day and others breaking it into shorter walks. 

These experiences give learners opportunities to practise making choices, from planning journeys and managing money, to working as part of a group and reflecting on personal challenges. 

Learners frequently describe these activities as highlights of their ASDAN work, not only because they are enjoyable, but because they help them feel more independent and confident in everyday situations.

Developing and retaining skills

For many learners at ACE, progression is not defined by moving into employment or further education. Instead, success often means maintaining skills, developing independence and continuing to make informed decisions in daily life. 

“A major challenge for adults with learning disabilities as they age is retaining skills,” Tracey explains. “ASDAN helps keep learners engaged and stimulated, which supports both skill retention and confidence.” 

Learners describe a wide range of achievements that reflect growing independence and self-belief. This includes an increased confidence in using technology, learning about different countries and cultures, crafts such as cross-stitch, and learning how to stay safe.

In a recent reading assessment at ACE, 29 of 34 learners improved their reading age – reinforcing the value of consistent, engaging learning where learners feel motivated and involved in decisions about their work. 

Celebration is an important part of the learning journey at ACE. Learners’ ASDAN achievements are recognised at presentation events attended by families, carers and members of the local community. 

“We usually invite a guest, such as the mayor, to present the certificates,” Tracey says. “Learners are incredibly proud of their achievements and love receiving recognition for the work they’ve chosen to complete.” 

Positive impact of programme updates 

ASDAN’s Development Manager, Angharad Crane, reflects on the impact of updated resources at centres like ACE: 

“We’ve been encouraged to hear how centres like ACE are benefitting from the refreshed Transition Challenge and Towards Independence resources. These updates were guided by feedback from practitioners who wanted clearer structure, modernised content and greater flexibility. It’s rewarding to see learners at ACE engaging positively with the updated materials and developing confidence, independence and enthusiasm through their work.” 

Advice for other settings 

ACE’s experience shows how flexible, learner led programmes can support adults with diverse needs to develop confidence, independence and decision-making skills in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. 

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the ASDAN curriculum to others – it’s made a meaningful difference to both our learners and our staff.”