I created The Wheeler Learning Academy because the school system failed my son. So I built a school for him myself. There was no roadmap for how to do it, so now I've built one, to help other autism families do the same, free of charge, through our Family Assistance Program.
Bring your peace of mind home.
Clarity FirstThe Wheeler Learning Academy is made up of two distinct things, here's exactly what each one is.
Our own home based, 1:1 instructional program for founder Ronnea Wheeler's own children, Vision and Wisdom. It is privately funded and is not open for public enrollment. It's the model that inspired everything else we do.
How we serve your family, completely free:
When the school system failed my son, I didn't wait for it to get better, I built him a school myself. There was no guidance anywhere for how to actually do that. So I turned everything I learned into a blueprint, so no other autism family has to figure it out alone.
“We specialize in serving nonverbal and minimally verbal students with autism spectrum disorder, using evidence based, sensory informed methods to unlock communication and build foundational literacy skills.”
This same model is now the foundation of our Family Assistance Program, through which we help other families build their own version of this approach, at no cost to them.
AAC tools and PECS give students a real voice
Sensory informed, research backed instruction
Progress measured on each child's own timeline
Parents are partners in every step of the journey
Predictable routines that reduce anxiety
We combine structure with flexibility, using proven autism informed strategies to create a learning environment where every child can thrive.
Every lesson connects to communication. We use AAC tools, PECS, and letter to meaning activities to give a real voice, not just academic skills.
Regular sensory and movement breaks are built into every day, essential components of a regulated, ready to learn nervous system.
From sand trays to finger paint to magnetic letters, hands on experiences that stick.
Predictable routines with visual supports reduce anxiety and build independence.
We celebrate every attempt and spark of engagement, progress measured on an individual timeline.
Parents are partners in every step of the educational journey.
Note: Wisdom's activities are simplified in complexity but follow the same schedule blocks and structure shown below.
Consistent opening song and visual schedule review
Movement and sensory regulation before learning begins
Tactile letter introduction using sandpaper letters, stamps, and foam
Fidgets, weighted lap pad, or preferred calming activity
Finger tracing, chunky crayons, dotted worksheets
Letters as communication tools, matching, pointing, device use
Free play, outdoor time, or preferred sensory activity
Hands on letter matching with foam, magnetic, wooden letters
Shaving cream, paint, playdough, tied to the week's letter
Books featuring the week's letter
Child's choice calming activity before wrap up
Visual “I did it!” chart and preferred reward
Consistent closing song and “school is done” visual card
Named for our own two kids, Vision, who sees the world his own way, and Wisdom, who reminds us knowledge is meant to be shared. This is a free guide to local and national resources for autism and developmental disability families in the High Desert and Inland Empire.
Local information & referral, support groups, and community programming for Inland Empire families.
(951) 220 6922 · info@ieautism.org
ieautism.org
Speak with a trained Information & Referral Specialist about resources and support options nationwide.
800 3 AUTISM (800 328 8476)
autismsociety.org
Serves San Bernardino & Riverside County residents with developmental disabilities, eligibility, IPPs, and vendored services.
(909) 890 3000 · inlandrc.org
1365 S Waterman Ave, San Bernardino, CA
A free, voluntary program that helps law enforcement recognize and better communicate with drivers and individuals who have autism or other disabilities during stops.
Available through Inland Regional Center & local law enforcement
ieautism.org/the blue envelope program
Free, 24/7, confidential referral line for housing, food, health care, utilities, transportation, and more, bilingual specialists available.
Dial 211 or 1 888 435 7565
211sb.org
Redlands based nonprofit supporting California Regional Centers' mission with housing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
(909) 793 9800
Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing, households including a person with a disability may receive priority.
Contact via 211 or hacsb.com
State level housing programs, accessibility requirements, and policy resources for Californians with disabilities.
hcd.ca.gov
Hesperia based 501(c)(3) ranch offering autism friendly, adaptive horseback riding lessons led by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. May be eligible for coverage through Inland Regional Center, ask your IRC case worker if this can be added to your child's Individual Program Plan (IPP).
(760) 985 4141 · 8871 Vincent Dr, Hesperia, CA
wildwindranchoakhills.com
Inland Empire nonprofit running inclusive sports & fitness programs (soccer, basketball, dance, and more) for individuals ages 5 to 35 with developmental disabilities. May be eligible for coverage through Inland Regional Center, ask your IRC case worker about adding this to your IPP. (Note: their listed base is Rancho Cucamonga/Inland Empire, confirm current Hesperia area session availability directly.)
(909) 365 2629 · empoweringpathways365.org
Tell us about it below, we read every suggestion and keep this guide updated as families point us to what's actually helped them.
Our Family Assistance Program is open to families of children with autism, speech delay, or related needs, no cost, no gatekeeping, just a short form to get started.
Communication device access for a nonverbal or speech delayed child. Join the list to be notified at launch.
Join the Interest ListSelf Determination Program navigation and IPP development. Join the list to be notified at launch.
Join the Interest ListLet us know you're interested, and we'll help match your child with local peers for play dates as the program launches.
Join the Interest ListNote: Independent Facilitator services operate as a separate, exclusive engagement per state conflict of interest rules and cannot be combined with other Family Assistance Program services during that engagement.
Donations to The Wheeler Learning Academy fund our Family Assistance Program, helping other families access free home based learning support, AAC devices, and Regional Center navigation help.
Nonprofit status pending, full tax deductibility applies once 501(c)(3) recognition is granted.
Meet Vision 💛, my son, non verbal, and one of the most extraordinary people I know. If you'd like to personally support Vision and Wisdom's individual learning journey, that's separate from the Academy's nonprofit programs.
Vision & Wisdom's Learning JourneyThis is a personal fundraiser, not a tax deductible donation, and is separate from The Wheeler Learning Academy's charitable programs.
The Wheeler Learning Academy is a California nonprofit organization based in Apple Valley, CA. We provide free family support services through our Family Assistance Program, and operate a private, individualized instructional model for our founder's own children.
admin@thewheelerlearningacademy.com
Home Based · Apple Valley, CA 92307
Monday to Thursday, 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Closed Friday to Sunday
Reach out or apply directly using the Family Assistance Program forms above.