Program

The need for a new special education program is real and growing.

• In 1993, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, the number has grown to 1 in 166.
• Reported cases of ADD and ADHD in elementary school children is 1.6 million.
• The Department of Education identifies children with emotional disturbance (ED) at approximately 2 percent of the student population.

Confident that improvisation and performing arts help unlock everyone’s potential, Elaine Clark and Joe Schmitz founded Special Focus to use these tools in special education.

Since 2002, Special Focus has worked with teachers and administrators in Northern California to develop a cross-curriculum program aligned to state standards. The program emphasizes techniques that engage voice, body language, social skills, focus, sequencing and physical coordination while addressing specific class themes such as taking responsibility, listening and respect.