AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me. Due to this article's length, please click the link at the bottom of the page to read it in full)
The first part of a $12 million project in Denton County that’s aimed at creating job and housing opportunities for adults with autism officially launches this year.
Starting in mid-February, adults 18 and older who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and who have completed high school can apply for placement in the 29 Acres Transition Academy, the founders say.
The two-year transition program will help young people with autism learn to live independently, and offer specialized job training and employment assistance.
Residents will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis as they meet the criteria. Training will begin in August for the eight who are accepted.
It’s just one part of a project that was first reported by The Dallas Morning News last year.
A University Park couple, Clay Heighten and Debra Caudy, announced plans to create a long-term solution for people like their 20-year old son, Jon, who has a diagnosis of autism and lives at home.
Retired doctors Clay Heighten (right) and his wife Debra Caudy (left) in their University Park home in 2016.
(Tom Fox/Staff Photographer)
The couple started a nonprofit and made a $750,000 personal investment in 29 acres of land in the town of Cross Roads, where they plan to build a community with duplexes, an activity center and educational programs meant to teach higher-functioning young adults to become more self-sufficient.
“Our vision is becoming a reality. It just really speaks to the need,” said Caudy, who is in her 60s and worried about what will happen to Jon when she and Clay are no longer around.
Full Article: As North Texas autism community becomes a reality, the program seeks its first trainees | Health Care | Dallas News
The first part of a $12 million project in Denton County that’s aimed at creating job and housing opportunities for adults with autism officially launches this year.
Starting in mid-February, adults 18 and older who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and who have completed high school can apply for placement in the 29 Acres Transition Academy, the founders say.
The two-year transition program will help young people with autism learn to live independently, and offer specialized job training and employment assistance.
Residents will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis as they meet the criteria. Training will begin in August for the eight who are accepted.
It’s just one part of a project that was first reported by The Dallas Morning News last year.
A University Park couple, Clay Heighten and Debra Caudy, announced plans to create a long-term solution for people like their 20-year old son, Jon, who has a diagnosis of autism and lives at home.
Retired doctors Clay Heighten (right) and his wife Debra Caudy (left) in their University Park home in 2016.
(Tom Fox/Staff Photographer)
The couple started a nonprofit and made a $750,000 personal investment in 29 acres of land in the town of Cross Roads, where they plan to build a community with duplexes, an activity center and educational programs meant to teach higher-functioning young adults to become more self-sufficient.
“Our vision is becoming a reality. It just really speaks to the need,” said Caudy, who is in her 60s and worried about what will happen to Jon when she and Clay are no longer around.
Full Article: As North Texas autism community becomes a reality, the program seeks its first trainees | Health Care | Dallas News
