Puzzle Pieces has launched “Inclusive Circles,” a program designed to enhance the college experience and success of students with autism. The nonprofit is collaborating with Owensboro Community & Technical College to pilot the program in Fall 2024.
This initiative is made possible through funding from Vocational Rehabilitation, allowing students to access Inclusive Circles at no cost while attending classes at OCTC.
“Inclusive Circles will empower autistic college students not only to attend college, but thrive in college,” said Puzzle Pieces Autism Services Director Blaire Neighbors. “The partnership with OCTC along with the programming of Inclusive Circles will ensure neurodivergent students are learning, valued, and successful. We are excited, proud, and most importantly thankful to align Puzzle Pieces Autism Services with OCTC. Together, we will make a profound impact on the lives of their students.”
Inclusive Circles is built around six pillars of support, each carefully crafted to address the unique challenges faced by students with autism:
- Study Tables: Structured academic support sessions.
- Mentoring: Personalized guidance and encouragement by neurotypical student peers.
- Socials: Inclusive social events to foster community.
- Mental Health Counseling: Access to professional mental health services.
- Weekly Advisor Meetings: Regular check-ins to ensure academic progress.
- Social Skills Curriculum: Training to develop essential interpersonal skills.
The program will roll out in two phases:
- Phase 1 (Fall 2024): A pilot program with 5-8 current OCTC students. This phase will introduce four pillars (Study Tables, Socials, Weekly Adviser Meetings, Mentoring).
- Phase 2 (Fall 2025): Expansion to 20 students, including active recruitment from local high schools and open houses. This phase will add the final two pillars (Mental Health Counseling and Social Skills Curriculum) and introduce transitional programming such as parent orientation, a summer bridge program, and pre-arrival sessions.
“With 1 in 25 students on college campuses being on the autism spectrum, the need for specialized, effective support is critical,” a release from Puzzle Pieces says. “Many students with autism receive substantial support in high school but face the expectation of full independence in college, creating a challenging transition. Research shows that only 21% of autistic students are satisfied with the current support services offered at the college level, which often take a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Inclusive Circles aims to address this gap by offering a curriculum by Neighbors that bridges the divide between OCTC’s existing Career and Life Skills (CLS) program, which is suited for students with intellectual disabilities seeking to gain independence and learn skills for use in the workforce and the needs of neurotypical students.
“We are excited to be able to add this service as an additional support for our students,” OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams said. “We have developed a great partnership with Puzzle Pieces through the CLS program and this service will help us serve more students and help them be more successful.”
Students interested in applying for Inclusive Circles must meet specific pre-college life skills criteria, including managing medications, attending classes independently, and balancing work and leisure. An official acceptance letter from OCTC is also required.
Puzzle Pieces will collaborate with current OCTC students and staff to identify gaps, partner with local high schools to aid graduating seniors in their transition to OCTC, and host open house events to provide prospective students with information about the program.
“Inclusive Circles is a testament to Puzzle Pieces’ commitment to evolving and meeting the diverse needs of our community,” said Amanda Owen, Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces. “This program underscores our dedication to a whole-life approach, ensuring that individuals with autism receive the support they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. The dedication and passion of our team members, such as Blaire Neighbors, are pivotal in driving our mission forward and making initiatives like Inclusive Circles a reality. We are excited to see the positive impact this program will have on students at OCTC.”
Puzzle Pieces Pre-Employment Transition Services Manager Bobbi Sandifer will assume the role of Inclusive Circles Coach, serving as the on-campus point of contact, providing consistent and personalized support to students while also growing the program and continuing curriculum development.
Interested students can contact Bobbi Sandifer at [email protected] for more information.
