Classes at The Sierra Group Academy

Mastery of software applications is not enough to succeed without inclusion of real-world office use scenarios that accompany each day’s technology training. By focusing on computer proficiency along with speed of data entry, reliable file management practices, business email structure and plenty of time to master one’s online platform etiquette and proficiencies our classroom day is filled with meaningful growth opportunities that prepare those with multiple disabilities for professional office settings as their career goal of choice.

The Microsoft suite of office applications is the most used platform in today’s office jobs. Therefore, our students learn and master the use of Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Outlook, Word and Excel) to be ready for the professional office setting work of their choice.

Our online classroom provides each student with Access to our software licenses during training and for up to 3 months post-graduation.

• We believe in the power of mastering use of online apps via multi-modal forms of training.
• Each learner has a different level of computer proficiency and each person’s job goal is unique to them.
• Our classes are tailored to the level of skill and the job outcome needs.
• Each topic is covered in detail with real workplace scenarios used within small group practice assignment completion.
• Our Academy graduates encourage future students to “trust the process, and know that the instructors will ensure that you gain the computer skills you need before you graduate”.

Online meetings are an essential skill for our graduates who are seeking a career in office clerical, entry level tech support, AP/AR or customer service call center careers.

Our Academy Training classes include lessons and workplace scenario drills on how to schedule meetings in both MS Teams and ZoomPro; how to issue and manage calendar invites to online and in-person meetings, in addition to file management, and office software proficiency.

Expressive and receptive language skills play a key part in success in today’s workplace. Classes at our Academy offer individual development of this skill through group project work, research and writing assignments, and exercises that build up one’s confidence and strategic thinking skills. Professionalism in online class participation for fourteen hours per week is a means of “work hardening/job preparation” that helps ensure that soft skills like timeliness, reliability and courteous workplace habits are learned, developed and practiced by all graduates.

Accommodations and use of assistive technology to accommodate for learning differences, physical limits and as an efficiency tool is a hallmark of all services offered by Sierra. At the Academy, from assessment, throughout our classroom our students learn how to use basic speech input, word prediction, advanced Grammar tools, business math tutorials and reading comprehension/speed enhancing platforms that round out each person’s customized individualized classroom training plan.

This array of tools, technology mastery, business comprehension, and soft skill development are what best prepare our graduates for today’s business world demands. Custom Assistive Technology training occurs via small group lessons as may be needed to accommodate any individual’s disability related requirements.

Not sure if our online classroom is right for you? We encourage yo to see our FAQ’s page, or reach out for more information.

• Email OnlineTraining@TheSierraGroupAcademy.org
• Call 800.973.7687 or contact your OVR counselor to discuss program assessment.