In accordance with The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a child with autism may be able to stay in public school from ages 3-21. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures children with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education. What happens after the child ages out of public school services can be a source of anxiety for many parents of disabled children. Parents are often left feeling confused and unsure about the next steps for their young adult child after the loss of structure and benefits that public schools provide.
A community college in New Jersey has answered the call for options with a unique and innovative program developed especially for individuals with autism. In July 2024, Brookdale Community College in Wall, New Jersey, unveiled The Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism. The vision for the Academy was first conceived over a decade ago, driven by a commitment to address the critical need for services and educational opportunities for adults with Autism once public school services end. The persistence and collaboration of numerous individuals and organizations eventually made it a reality. (Brookdale Newsroom, 2024)
The Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism program aims to equip clients with essential life skills ranging from meal preparation and hygiene practices to employment experience and financial literacy. Apart from a traditional classroom, the campus will feature various rooms that aim to mimic different real-life environments, including a large kitchen for practicing budgeting, shopping, and meal preparation, a one-bedroom apartment to practice daily living skills and even a hair salon and doctor’s office to help adults with sensory needs become comfortable with these experiences. New Jersey congressman Chris Smith assisted in securing a $400,000 grant that will be used to furnish the building and purchase the necessary fixtures.
The Academy is tentatively expected to open its doors officially in 2025, with a cohort of about 10 clients, and eventually expand to at least 40. (Disability Scoop, 2024) For more information about the Achieve Academy, contact Linda Jordan at ljordan@brookdalecc.edu.
Are you or someone you know interested in finding programs or resources similar to the Achieve Academy? Worried about what comes next for a child nearing graduation? At National Care Advisors, our masters-trained Education Consultants can help families of individuals, regardless of disability, develop comprehensive, specific education plans that include post-high school continuing education and vocational training as well as transition to adult life. Contact National Care Advisors today to discuss how our Education Consultants can help.