Landon’s Project is an initiative to bring both public and private entities together with a shared vision for health care and educational professionals to collaboratively provide real time intervention for the most intense district-wide student needs. Working together we endeavor to develop creative solutions to address the unique needs of our most unique learners - our special needs community.
In January 2022 a group of collaborators began to come together in Washington County, Maryland to embark on an initiative that would begin reshaping the educational needs of their community. They recognized that special education students represent a broad range of needs and abilities. Their mission was to begin laying the foundation that would continuously improvetheir ability to ensure all students realize their full potential.
WCPS’s Landon’s Project initiative would work to effectively leverage community partnerships and resources to enhance the student experience and ensure all students receive the support they need to capitalize on their unique strengths. In their perspective, students’ needs have changed over the years, and there is an urgency to reconsider and update our existing programming design to foster our students’ individual gifts and talents.
In March 2024, just over two years from their first meeting WCPS and their community partners officially launched Landon’s Project with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Meritus Health and other community partners.
Working alongside community partners WCPS will leverage resources with partners in the medical and business communities to serve the unique needs and abilities of students in innovative ways that will transcend the traditional school environment.
“All of our community’s children deserve to learn in an environment that provides the necessary supports and resources where students can thrive and grow their abilities,” says Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent of Schools. “Washington County is so fortunate to have educational, medical, and business organizations willing and determined to come together for the pursuit of helping our unique learners realize their full potential. This approach will give these students and our community a brighter future.”
Landon’s Project will be located at the former Funkstown Elementary School and will be available as a system-wide resource to any student enrolled in WCPS. The program aims to provide immediate interventions for students who would benefit from joint medical and educational services. The initiative will also ensure schools have sensory and adaptive resources to meet a broad range of student needs.
Landon’s Project is the namesake of Landon Smith, grandson to Benito Vattelana, one of the community partners who spearheaded the initiative. “When Landon was initially diagnosed with autism, there was a lot of uncertainty in what the future held for him,” Vattelana explains. “As our family has navigated this journey, we have found that the right supports and strategies specifically suited for Landon helped him discover incredible abilities and talents. It made me wonder how many other Landons are in our community who need this same adaptive care.”
In November 2024 WCPS received its first redesign of the new WCPS Therapeutic Center for Adaptive Learning. Working alongside local community partners Wade Architecture a redesign of the the new Therapeutic Center was delivered for initial review.
The concept presented uses innovative schemes to support a more adaptive learning environment. Using pastel color schemes for wayfinding, homogeneous rubber title to alleviate noise and distraction, acoustic panels on ceilings to absorb sound and the use of sensory object in hallways to support transitions.
Working with Wade Architecture we envision a path to integrate leading edge concepts into our public education facilities that support a more healthy learning environment. Utilizing advanced learning concepts for our communities most unique learners will enhance the educational experience that can prepare our students for their future.
WCPS Therapeutic Center for Adaptive Learning will endeavor to incorporate the latest technology for its students.
Multi-media technology will be incorporated into the daily environment. Offering a variety of multi-media options can be tailored to promote advanced learning methodologies for each child. Augmentative and alternative communication devices can allow easier communication. Utilizing virtual reality googles can promote learning without distraction from surroundings. Access to headphones will be relied upon to create a more predictable auditory environment. Visual supports will be incorporated in classrooms to promote visual learning. Additionally, classical music or ambient sounds can help fulfill auditory senses while in classrooms.
Endeavoring to promote advanced learning concepts the WCPS Therapeutic Center for Adaptive Learning will incorporate an observation room thatch facilitate both educator and parental skill set development without interfering with the students learning experience. Promoting an experience that brings the most advanced learning concepts and transferring knowledge to those most involved develops a collaborative learning environment.
Incorporating an educational environment that brings to life everyday activities is critical to developing an adaptive skill set for community living experiences. Preparing our child for life experiences and developing adaptive responses promotes a healthier life experience. Incorporating these experiences into their development at the earliest stages is paramount to long term success. We endeavor to work with community partners to enhance a path to success in our community.
