Page 35 - The Edge - Spring 2018

FIRST PLACE TRANSITION ACADEMY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

with morning meetings at the apartment complex before
heading to GWCC.
Eaton is a part of the First Place Transition Academy,
operated by the Southwest Autism Research and Resource
Center (SARRC), a two-year program designed to teach adults
with autism to live independently.
rough a partnership with Foundation for Senior Living,
First Place AZ and SARRC, students in the Transition
Academy program live in their own apartments within a
multi-generational apartment complex (currently 29 Palms).
ey’re taught the building blocks of independent living— PHOTO/SARRC
including daily living, and social and employment skills—in a Transition Academy student Lindsey Eaton (center), looks forward to graduating
structured environment, both on-site and via a four semester from the two-year program in May. She is seen with staff members of the
Arizona School Boards Association.
32-course sequence at GWCC, taught by SARRC sta , which
leads to a certi cate upon completion. Residents like Eaton, who is now in her second year of
“ e courses teach students skills, and then the living the program, learn how to navigate everything from calling
situation and integration into the community o ers the an Uber or Ly , to handling getting somewhere on time, to
direct practice and application of those skills,” Brad Herron- navigating social situations, making a budget, handling a job
Valenzuela, the Transition Academy’s instructor, explains. and more.
“We allow them the opportunity to think through situations,
develop life skills and navigate life situations with the right
supports in place.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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