Programs
Research. Learn. Implement. Create Opportunity.
Three connected programs working together to understand what’s possible, create meaningful opportunities and share what we learn along the way
01 — Research
Real people. Real experiences. Better understanding.
We start by listening
We believe meaningful research starts by being willing to learn from the people closest to the experience. Through our work with neurodivergent individuals, families, educators and community partners, we explore how different people learn, communicate, work and thrive.
Then, we learn by doing
Our partnership with TERI Foundation brings that approach to life. By learning alongside TERI participants and staff, we can observe real experiences, test different approaches and understand what helps and what gets in the way.
We take what we learn and ask a bigger question:
How can we change the environment, the training or the tools to create a better opportunity?
02 — Train
Learning looks different for everyone.
We don’t believe there is one right way to learn or one path to meaningful work. Our training is hands-on from the start, giving participants the opportunity to work with real tools, materials and experiences while building skills across a range of areas.
From making and production to communication and everyday workplace skills, each experience is an opportunity to try something new, build confidence and discover what you’re capable of.
Examples of skills we teach
Woodworking
CNC operation
Silk screening
Sewing
Computer skills
Web design and coding
Business administration
Communication
Time management
The skills we teach are universal and the possibilities are wide open. This is just the starting point and as Doodle Pirates Foundation grows, so will the opportunities to learn, create and find what’s next.
03 — Implement
The person comes first. The work follows.
What we learn through research and hands-on experience becomes a starting point for change. We test new ways of working and look at how tools, spaces, instructions and technology can be shaped around the individual.
Instead of asking someone to fit a predetermined way of working, we ask what the work can do differently. We adapt, test, learn and refine until we find an approach that helps each person engage, contribute and do their best work.
Tooling
Tools should work for the person using them.
Specialized tools and equipment can be designed or adapted around how an individual works, making it easier to participate, practice and contribute.
Environment
The space matters, too.
Lighting, sound, layout and even the ability to step away can shape how someone experiences their work. We explore what changes help create an environment where people can succeed and thrive.
Instruction
There isn’t one way to communicate how something gets done.
Instructions can be written, shown, spoken or worked through together. We adjust how information is shared so people can engage with the work in a way that makes sense to them.
What comes next starts with what we’ve learned
Our software KENGO helps carry insights from one experience to the next, connecting what we learn about an individual to help us shape more personalized experiences and opportunities for learning, work and growth.
See KENGO
Partnership and sharing
What we learn shouldn’t stop here.
We believe the things we learn through research, hands-on experience and community partnerships can help create opportunities far beyond our own programs. We share what we discover so others can build on it, adapt it and make it their own.
01
Listen
Learn from people and communities.
Community
Families · Self-advocates · Educators · Employers · Researchers · Partners
02
Learn
Turn real experiences into understanding.
Research & experience
Real people · Real settings · Real conversations · Real takeaways
03
Build
Put what we discover into practice.
Tools & programs
Training · Adaptations · Strategies · Models
04
Share
Make the tools, resources and insights available to others.
Resources
Research · Training · Tools · Insights · KENGO
05
Create more opportunity
Because the goal isn’t to build one place where this works. It’s to discover what works — and help more people build from there.
Help us keep building
Donate
Help create the next opportunity
Your donation supports hands-on learning, research and the development of new opportunities for the neurodivergent community.
Shop
Support the work and take something meaningful home
Purchase a limited-edition product and help support the people, partnerships and opportunities behind it.
Partner or Work with us
Bring the mission into your community
Partner with us through programs, research, education, employment or other collaborations that help expand opportunity for neurodivergent individuals.
Notes from the journey
A short letter each month about what we’re learning, what we’re building and what’s possible when we create opportunity differently