ABOUT US
Every student's strengths
deserve a path forward
An educational program that nurtures individual strengths and
guides students with special needs toward a career of their choice.
OUR VISION
What the program is built to do
Nurtures each student's interests and strengths.
Ensures a guided career path in each student's area of interest.
Brings diversity to the curriculum, tools, & strategies used with every student.
Targets the skills each student needs for employment and independent living.
Follows up on placement — in employment and independent living.
OUR MISSION
We empower students with special needs by providing the academic knowledge, skills, and learning opportunities to prepare them for education and successful job placement — growing into productive, independent members of their community. We aim to break down barriers and promote equal opportunities so every student can lead a fulfilling life and contribute meaningfully to society.
HOW WE STARTED
Founded to close a gap in
special education
Next Step was established to provide a comprehensive, inclusive learning experience for students with special needs — nurturing each student's strengths and guiding them toward a career aligned with their own interests and choices.
OUR PARTNER
Built in collaboration with
LDSA
Next Step was founded in collaboration with the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association (LDSA), which partnered with the program to create a specialized, transformative learning environment for students with unique needs.
OUR BOARD
The people behind the program
Work is the most important and central adult activity in our society. It is how everyone, including those with disabilities, is judged as being successful after completing the educational program.
Robert Muller, 1995
OUR IMPACT
Our first graduating class
In October 2020, during Covid, our cohort fulfilled their dreams and graduated.
AUB president Dr. Fadlo Khoury handed each student their certificate of completion.
10
students in our first
graduating cohort
6
graduates already in paid employment
WHERE THEY ARE TODAY
Success stories
Zeina Salem
Class of 2020 — paid job at Learn and Play Day Care.
Yasser Berjawi & Reem Ariss
Class of 2020 — paid jobs at AUB OSB Cafeteria.
Salma Attar & Omar Khaled
Class of 2020 — paid jobs at Diet Center.
Lama Wattar
Class of 2020 — paid job at Terre Des Hommes, and now a board member of LDSA.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact us
Phone
Address
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon