Children on the autism spectrum encounter distinct challenges as they navigate their daily lives. Difficulties in social interactions and communication, coupled with sensory sensitivities that can lead to overload in their environment, can pose significant hurdles. However, it’s important to recognize that children with autism also possess numerous strengths and talents. When nurtured correctly they can advance throughout life with confidence and care.
Dr. Lonna Hardin is a K-12 grade social emotional learning teacher and adult SEL coach, as well as the founder of Voiceblocks, with over 7 years of experience in Edtech. Her primary focus as an educator is to prepare children for the future and position them to be ahead of the changing shifts in order to obtain jobs of the future. Additionally, Dr. Hardin is a singer, songwriter, and music enthusiast, recognizing that special needs children often have a love for music. She has found success in connecting and engaging students in learning through music, expression, and creativity, which has enhanced her classroom skills as an educator and ignited confidence in her students.
“Special needs children love music,” said Dr. Hardin. “I’ve always been able to connect with and engage students in learning through music, expression, and creativity. This has enhanced my classroom skills as an educator, but also allowed me to ignite a confidence in students that inspires them to believe in themselves and know they are more than a diagnosis and what others perceive.”
Dr. Hardin has worked in the tech space since 2014, including being part of the team that helped Uber expand from 6 to 354 markets during its launch. She has also worked with three Silicon Valley startups that have turned into billion-dollar ventures. Witnessing the movement in the tech industry that has opened up numerous career opportunities for children with special needs and autistic children, and the creation of new tech solutions that have the potential to change the world, has ignited a passion within her. She is now committed to teaching children that their unique, creative voice not only exists but is also desperately needed in the world to address some of the most pressing problems we face.
“I was that child we seek to serve. I had so much going on in my head as a child and back then they didn’t really diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder or accommodate those with special learning needs. I was often distracted in class and always singing in my head,” Dr. Hardin continues, “I would constantly raise my hand asking the teacher if I could sing. I would ask so much, the teacher would finally give in. I didn’t have the most amazing grades, but I was bubbly, loved people, and sought to find an escape from some of the things we faced privately at home. Singing was my escape. When teachers gave me the space I needed to be who I truly was, my confidence grew and I started to enjoy coming to school.”
Dr. Hardin recalls that her own daughter was enrolled in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for learning and speech delay in pre-kindergarten. Amazingly with early intervention and exceptional educators, IEP goals were forced and accomplished. Although a happy ending, Dr. Hardin shared frustration with the process that prompted advocacy and a search for solutions.
“We started talking with parents, guardians, educators, therapists, and providers. Many voiced their frustration with the IEP process. It could take up to 10 months to go through the evaluation process and another year before actual services begin. We saw a huge need. Voiceblocks was born.”
Voiceblocks is an AI SaaS product that facilitates seamless care management, goal tracking, and resource coordination for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) between special needs parents, educators, and medical providers. With a focus on equitable access, Voiceblocks supports families in navigating the IEP process, ensuring that those who need it the most receive the necessary support.
Dr. Hardin offers hybrid programming, which includes online, in-school, and out-of-school services. Due to the increasing pressures of social media, rising suicide statistics among children, and the impact of the pandemic, there has been a growing demand for their services from educational institutions and parents.
“Many parents who have seen the work we have done over our years through our subsidiary company Live Your Song have requested teen mentoring and online programs. Live Your Song is an education software & publishing company that provides technology, learning materials, and supplies to education institutions, parents, and caregivers of special needs learners,” said Dr. Hardin
In addition, they also offer professional development for education institutions to help educators and teams develop Adult SEL skills, enabling them to model the same skills they aim to teach students. They also provide sponsorships to parents and corporations who wish to support a child with special needs or sponsor their events and programming.
Parents and institutions who need assistance or advice are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Hardin directly. Parents can call 313-360-4748 or email [email protected]. Visit https://voiceblocks.app to connect about programs and services.
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