Transition Academy

The 29 Acres Transition Academy:

Live, Learn, Work and Belong

For young adults with ASD who are motivated to live independently in the near future, 29 Acres offers a two-year residential transition academy. The three major components of this program include living in our transitional housing, learning independent living and career readiness skills through our proven curriculum, and gaining work experience through internships and jobs.

Live

Our transitional housing serves as students’ first independent home. Students live in one of our 5-bedroom homes with their peers and overnight staff. Individual mentoring and support are provided, allowing them to apply the skills they learn in the classroom. This highly structured and supported environment will enable individuals to build confidence by strengthening their life and work skills before transitioning to a more independent living option at the completion of the 2-yr. program.

Learn

Students take a series of 32 courses on career readiness and independent living taught at a local college campus by a master’s level educator, with support staff. Our students are encouraged to take credit-bearing coursework if they are able, and will receive support in study and organizational skills from our staff.

Work

Students will benefit from Employment Services such as career readiness classes, job preparation and on site job coaching. Students will participate in internships, volunteer work, or transitional employment during this time.

Belong

Everyone benefits from a sense of belonging. The 29 Acres Transition Academy provides an environment within our homes, the college campus and our job sites designed to help our students become vibrant, contributing members in all the communities where they are engaged.

We take an evidence-based approach

The 29 Acres’ Transition Academy is modeled after the Taft College Transition to Independent Living Program in California for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

This highly successful on-campus residency program was established in 1995 and has received national and international recognition for its outstanding 10 yr. outcome data.