Specially Designed Education Services (SDES) develops innovative, research-based curriculum, training, and consultation services for educators supporting students with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism.We are the proud publishers of The Functional Academics Program and My Keys to the Future, providing schools with comprehensive, ready-to-implement tools for teaching functional academics and preparing students for life beyond the classroom.SDES specializes in helping districts design meaningful programs that address every aspect of learning—from assessment and instruction to communication, behavior, and transition. We also provide professional training, consultation, and classroom implementation support to ensure teachers and teams feel confident, organized, and effective.Our trainings are offered through webinars, on-site district sessions, and in-person workshops at our training center in Bothell, WA.
The Styer-Fitzgerald Program was first published in 2009 as a result of the authors’ extensive teaching experience and ongoing collaboration with educators in the field. From the beginning, it was shaped by real classrooms, real teachers, and real students—with every element designed to make functional learning both meaningful and manageable.
Since that first release, we’ve had the privilege of training and supporting thousands of teachers across the country. The program has been implemented in classrooms from small rural schools to large urban districts, and we’ve been deeply moved by the countless success stories shared by educators, families, and students whose lives have been changed by this approach.
In direct response to feedback from the educators and students we serve, the program has undergone a complete transformation—expanding, modernizing, and evolving into the all-new Functional Academics Program. This next generation of the program builds on its trusted foundation while introducing fresh content, expanded digital integration, and powerful new supports for both teachers and students.
We believe the true measure of success in any curriculum lies in the impact it has on the teachers and students who use it every day. Every enhancement we make reflects the voices of those in the field—your insights, your challenges, and your successes.
The Functional Academics Program is not an update—it’s a complete reimagining. Developed in partnership with educators nationwide, it provides more comprehensive coverage, greater flexibility, and deeper alignment with modern teaching practices. What began as a single printed program has now become a fully integrated print and digital system—designed to remain the most complete, functional, and user-friendly program available.
Our mission continues: to help educators provide high-quality, meaningful instruction and to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, is equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in school, work, and life.
As lifelong special educators, we understand both the joy and the complexity of this work. The Functional Academics Program was created to make your job easier, your instruction more effective, and your students more independent.
When implemented with your personal touch and professional insight, this program will bring structure, clarity, and growth to your classroom—empowering both teachers and students alike.
We are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of students with disabilities.
