Is there a commonly used expression for adjusting a training or form of support to a person's specific situation and needs?

Question

In German, there is an expression that's commonly used to convey that a kind of support (i.e. job trainings but also other kinds of educational programs or things like psychological support programs) are tailored to a person's individual situation / background / experience: "To pick someone up from where they are standing". So, you look at where this person is at exactly and then "pick them up" from there. Is there something similar in English or what would be a good way to express this?

Answer 1

OP's query:

Is there a commonly used expression for adjusting a training or form of support to a person's specific situation and needs?

One common way to express this idea is by using the verb "tailor," similar to how a tailor customizes a suit to fit a person.

1. tailor meaning.
verb.
past tense: tailored;
to make or design something for a particular person or purpose.
.
For example:

• "Programs tailored to the needs of specific groups.".
  .

2. customize.
   verb.
   gerund or present participle: customizing.
   modify (something) to suit a particular individual or task.

• "the software can be customized to the developing needs of your students"

This conveys the idea of customizing or adapting something to meet the unique requirements of a person or group.

Answer 2

"Meet someone (or "people") where they are (or "where they're at")" is almost exactly what you describe. While it doesn't say "support/help/teach", those are often the contexts in which it's used.

Answer 3

Unfortunately there's no one English word that conveys all that (as is often the case with German!). There is definitely a common vocabulary around this idea, though. One word that's common in educational or workplace discussion of meeting needs is accommodation, often used as a countable noun, like "The teacher implemented specific accommodations to address the student's dyslexia." (The word "intervention" is often used similarly in educational settings, though not elsewhere.) The notion of tailoring accommodations to a person's unique strengths and challenges would simply be conveyed by adding adjectives like "personalized" or "individual."

Answer 4

individualized education program, AmE

explanation

individualized or individual or personal education plan, BrE

UK

When kids struggle in school, you may hear the term IEP. What is an IEP? IEP is an acronym that stands for Individualized Education Program. Some people may refer to it as an Individualized Education Plan.

The purpose of an IEP An IEP is more than just a written legal document (or “plan”). It’s a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services kids need to make progress and thrive in school.**

IEP

In both, aka IEP.

vocational IEP

And as far as transition IEP goals, I find a lot of copying and pasting of meaningless goals into IEPs. Transition time is the most important time for your student. Vocational IEP goals are one small part of this.

A personalized study plan:

Six Steps to Create a Personalized and Effective Study Plan What is a study plan?

A study plan is an organized schedule that incorporates your academic, professional, social, and personal commitments. Study plans help you prioritize your tasks and budget your time to achieve them.

personalized study plan

Individually Designed Education for Adult Learners (IDEAL)

The Individually Designed Education for Adult Learners Program (IDEAL) provides adult students an alternative experience to the traditional classroom setting. The IDEAL Program can meet the needs of students whose busy lifestyles or geographic location prohibit attending classes in an on-ground structured environment. IDEAL

There are many ways to say this in English, take one term like personalized or individual and put it with study plan or program.