John Devine of Bothell is thoroughly convinced that tried-and-true techniques of “coaching” can help special-needs children develop sufficient technology skills that could earn them a future role in the workplace. Seven years of one-on-one volunteer mentoring of early elementary-age school children, including his grandson, have shaped this concept.

But, to put his kids on a path to gain self worth, discover unknown skills and achieve a degree of personal independence, Devine emphasized that it takes a unique approach, dedicated “coaches” and public accessibility to current technology devices found in classrooms and education labs.

With the help of those with years of experience and expertise in the education of special-needs children, Devine has designed a program structured to take his “community coaching” techniques and build upon the willingness of volunteers who assist in the classroom or after school. The concept has evolved into TEAM Center, a nonprofit formed to help children and youths with special needs “develop technology skills that will change their lives forever.”

TEAM stands for Technology Education and Mentoring Center of Washington. “I don’t think there is anything like it in the country,” Devine explains. “Our coaches have more than 120 years of combined experience teaching individuals with special needs. We are looking for mentors who will work one-on-one with the kids.”

With the birth of his grandson, Devine virtually set aside a career in financial services to dedicate his time to volunteering in the classroom. He discovered how some children who otherwise were unable to communicate or keep up with classroom work could learn to adapt to technology as a means to learn basic skills and to share their world with others electronically. Coaching high-school girls and boys basketball for many years showed Devine the value of patience, routine and perseverance.

TEAM Center plans to launch this spring with pilot programs at Woodmoor elementary school in Bothell and the private Liberty School in Woodinville. Mentor training will be held in March, with the first after-school and weekend sessions scheduled for April and May. The number of youths involved in the pilot sessions will depend upon the number of mentors and the availability of computers and hand held devices.

“Our target group consists of students ages 6 to 21 who are on the autism spectrum, have developmental delays, sensory processing disorders or other neurological disorders,” TEAM Center explains in a handout. The purpose is to teach skills to provide access into the ever-expanding world of technology that will improve prospects for meaningful employment.

Devine notes the concern and worry of parents of special-needs children — as to their future once government programs or public school are no longer available once their child grows to an age where they are essentially on their own. TEAM and its volunteers hope to help families bridge that gap, provide hope for their child. Those with a child with special needs seldom have the resources to provide this specialized education.

“Based on what we learn from these first sessions,” Devine notes, “we hope to have a full program going this fall.”

Helping move TEAM Center in that direction are public school teachers Jenny Woods (Woodmoor) and Sarah Washam (Westhill); Northshore School District special-education director Carrie Matthews; retired district administrator Blake Puckett, technology wizard Sven Mogelgaard, parents Erin Dawson and Maija Stein and a growing number of individuals on the advisory board, including Dawn Bowers, Dianne Devine, Margie Inghram, Casey Klinich and Jenny Ross.

They invite others to “experience the thrill of a child’s joy as they develop confidence and self esteem.” TEAM Center needs mentor volunteers and people with experience in technology, publicity, grant writing and Web design. Visit www.TEAMCenterofWA.org for more details.

Unlocking unseen abilities can be extremely rewarding.

John B. Hughes was owner-publisher of the Northshore Citizen from 1961 to 1988 and is active in local nonprofit organizations.