Xcite Steps

History

A heart-centered organization with an eye to the future, XciteSteps has been able to offer exceptional services to our communities that were once lacking. In San Diego, there are few recreational and social development options for teens and adults with disabilities. XciteSteps seeks to fill the void for kids who have a foot in both worlds, the world of special education and the world of normalcy. Many schools take the approach of mainstreaming special needs children in some classes and placing others in special education. Children are left middling between different sets of social groups, expectations and behavioral forms. Our goal is to help bridge this gap and make maneuvering between these worlds manageable and exciting. We believe in the benefits of 1:1 mentorship coupled with orchestrated group interaction. XciteSteps has created a unique and innovative approach where members can be themselves, check their disabilities at the door, and enjoy themselves and and their friends.

Specialties

The programs at XciteSteps are designed to enrich and empower children and teens in San Diego who have it harder than the average child due to a developmental or cognitive disability and give them the personalized attention, encouragement, skills and emotional support to succeed. There are programs to suit all ages and levels of ability, with summer and winter camps, sports clubs, social clubs, nanny services, travel program, 1:1 mentoring, school tutoring and shadowing, and ABA therapy. A personalized Achievement Plan is constructed for every child or teen with input from all concerned parties, which may include, parents, the child, therapists, and teachers. After every session the mentor documents the participant's progress and makes suggestions and improvements. All our services are tailored to each individual child or teen using a big brother/big sister model to assist them through their struggles.