Marketing Challenges and Success Strategies for OPTIONS Transitions to Independence

Have you ever considered the unique challenges of marketing a specialized post-secondary program? At OPTIONS Transitions to Independence, a post-secondary program in Carbondale, Illinois, we face significant marketing hurdles, especially when it comes to SEO. OPTIONS is designed to support students with learning disabilities and neurodiverse learners in their journey toward independence, but the SEO landscape often buries our program under the conglomerate of university and community college disability support services.

Understanding the SEO Challenge

When people search for post-secondary education for students with learning disabilities or neurodiverse learners, they often get results dominated by traditional colleges and universities offering disability support services. While these institutions provide valuable resources, they don’t offer the comprehensive, personalized support that OPTIONS does. This makes it challenging for OPTIONS to stand out in the crowded digital space of special needs schools, schools for learning disabilities, and other specific learning disability schools.

Highlighting Unique Offerings

To differentiate OPTIONS from traditional colleges, it’s essential to highlight our unique offerings, such as those emphasized in Kelly Vaughn’s blog, “Transitioning to College: A Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities.” Kelly, a veteran staff member at OPTIONS, provides an insightful guide on how students with learning disabilities can navigate the transition to college successfully. Her experience and expertise underscore the specialized support OPTIONS offers, which goes beyond what typical college disability services provide.

Specialized Support and Services

OPTIONS provides a level of support that is unmatched by many traditional institutions. Our programs are tailored to help students thrive both academically and in their personal lives. For instance:

• Self-Assessment and Preparation: At OPTIONS, we encourage students to reflect on their learning needs and past experiences to identify effective strategies and areas where additional support is needed.
• Researching and Applying for Accommodations: We guide students through the process of researching colleges and their disability support services, applying for accommodations, and maintaining regular contact with support services to ensure their needs are met.
• Developing Self-Advocacy Skills: Students learn how to advocate for themselves, request accommodations, and communicate effectively with professors and support staff.

Spotlight on Specialized Programs

Speech and Language Services

Effective communication is at the heart of independence. At OPTIONS, we offer comprehensive Speech and Language Services that empower students with the skills they need to succeed both academically and in their daily lives. Our specialized Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide individualized programs targeting various areas crucial for student success:

• Social Communications (Pragmatic Skills): Developing essential skills for meaningful interpersonal relationships.
• Executive Functioning: Equipping students with cognitive abilities crucial for academic success.
• Voice-Related Disorders: Helping students find their true voice without hindrance.
• Expressive and Receptive Language Skills: Boosting capacity for both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Cognitive Skills: Elevating learning abilities to a whole new level.

For those who need them, we offer specialized training in augmentative and alternative communication devices, ensuring that every student can express, engage, and empower themselves effectively.

The Arrowsmith Program

OPTIONS is proud to be affiliated with the renowned Arrowsmith Program, which focuses on strengthening cognitive capacities. This program is designed to address various cognitive functions through targeted exercises, providing an additional layer of cognitive support to our students. The Arrowsmith Program is based on groundbreaking research in neuroplasticity and cognitive networking, offering a proven approach to overcoming learning disabilities.

Holistic Support Through Partnerships

OPTIONS also benefits from partnerships with institutions like Brehm Preparatory School. This collaboration ensures that OPTIONS is mentioned in all Brehm’s paid and free listings for high schools, enhancing our visibility. Additionally, we engage with the community through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach a broader audience.

Leveraging Online Directories

Currently, there are few directory listings dedicated to post-secondary education programs outside of colleges. By creating and maintaining listings in these directories, we can improve our visibility and reach families searching for specialized support for their children.

Emphasizing Unique Programs

OPTIONS’ unique offerings such as the Ovation Program and Life Skills Program are designed to equip students with the skills they need to live independently and succeed in various aspects of life, from personal finance to social interactions.

Conclusion

Marketing OPTIONS Transitions to Independence presents unique challenges, particularly in the digital space dominated by traditional colleges. However, by highlighting our specialized support, success stories, and partnerships, we can differentiate our program and reach the families who need us most. Through continuous efforts in SEO, social media engagement, and leveraging partnerships, OPTIONS can shine as a beacon of support for neurodiverse learners and students with learning disabilities.

Stay tuned for more insights and strategies on how we continue to make a difference in the lives of our students at OPTIONS Transitions to Independence.