Success story
17/06/2025
How ValePlus uses ASDAN’s Towards Independence to empower learners with additional needs
Their long-standing partnership with ASDAN has played a pivotal role in helping learners build confidence, develop independent living skills and progress through a range of tailored, accessible programmes.
A history of success with ASDAN
“We’ve been delivering ASDAN for over 20 years,” says Ela Denley, Education Manager at ValePlus. “We even have the original Starting Out books - proper museum pieces now!”
Over the years, ValePlus has successfully delivered a variety of ASDAN programmes including Employability, Workright, and several Short Courses.
As the needs of their learners evolved, so too did their course delivery. Their current mainstay is Towards Independence, a programme they’ve found perfectly suited to their unique setting and learners’ needs.
Flexibility that makes a difference
What makes Towards Independence such a strong fit for ValePlus is its incredible flexibility and accessibility.
“We have learners who can’t write, some who can only draw circles and others who can write full sentences,” Ela explains. “ASDAN allows us to differentiate within the same classroom. One learner might record their feedback by video, while another writes a full evaluation. They’re doing the same activity, just evidenced in a way that suits them.”
That ability to adapt materials to fit each learner’s strengths and interests is a major strength of the programme. “We’re currently delivering the Independent living module, and something as simple as making a cup of tea can become a multi-week exploration. You can stretch or condense each unit based on what works for the group.”
ValePlus staff have welcomed the modernisation of the Towards Independence materials. Updated units reflect current trends and technologies, like using Spotify in the Rhythm and music module. “The new versions are so much more relevant for learners today, and the evaluations at the back are really helpful too.”
Building skills, confidence and independence
The impact of the programme is evident in the stories of individual learners. One learner, initially reliant on staff support, was able to complete a project in the Printing module almost independently by the end – gaining confidence and a sense of ownership over his work. Another learner, inspired by the Photography and Multimedia module, began exploring photography in his free time – eager to capture the perfect shot around the centre. "It’s so rewarding to see learners find and pursue new interests that stem from the course content,” says Ela.
Learners also take enormous pride in their achievements. “They absolutely love the certificates and presentations – they’ll push past you to be first in line! They want their photos taken; they want that moment of recognition.”
In some cases, the impact extends beyond the classroom. Several learners have even gone on to paid employment – a rare but celebrated milestone in this sector. “It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s a huge achievement for everyone involved.”
This year’s Learning Disability Week (16-22 June), focuses on celebrating the everyday lives of people with a learning disability and the people who support them. The theme, 'Do you see me?', champions visibility, inclusion and understanding. At ValePlus, these values are lived out daily through the use of ASDAN courses. By offering accessible, personalised learning experiences that celebrate each individual’s strengths, ValePlus helps ensure that learners are not only seen, but heard, valued, and supported to thrive.
A seamless fit for staff and settings
Ela and her team also highlight the value of ASDAN’s structured yet adaptable format.
“There’s a clear structure we can follow, which helps us with long-term planning. But within that structure, you can really take it in your own direction.”
The light-touch administration is another major benefit.
“We don’t have to send lesson plans or endless paperwork,” Ela notes. “As a small charity, that flexibility is crucial.”
Flexible support for diverse abilities
For other centres supporting adults with additional needs, Ela offers this advice:
“If you’re working with learners with a wide range of abilities, ASDAN’s flexibility is a game-changer. You can include everyone—regardless of their level. And the support from ASDAN is second to none. Any time I’ve needed help, I’ve had answers really quickly. Everyone is so approachable and helpful.
I’d 100% recommend it. The differentiation, the support, the variety—it works for all kinds of learners. And more than that, it works for our learners.”
Discover more
Explore ASDAN’s Towards Independence programme and our full SEND curriculum offer. If you’re interested in becoming an ASDAN member, get in touch with us to find out how we can support your centre.