Building real pathways to independence for young adults with autism, ages 18 to 22.
Autism Inspired Academy's Transition Program supports students ages 18 to 22 as they move from school-based learning toward greater independence. Students build employment skills, daily living abilities, and meaningful community connections through a structured, three-year pathway.
The goal is simple. Every student leaves with greater independence, confidence, and the real-world skills needed for adult life, including employment, community involvement, and self-directed decision-making.
How the program works
Year 1 | Exploration and Foundations
Students complete individualized transition assessments, build functional academic and daily living skills, and begin career exploration through workplace tours and short community-based outings. Early work-based learning experiences begin later in the year as students are ready.
Year 2 | Skill Building and Practice
Work-based learning expands. Students take on job shadowing and internships with community partners, complete employment readiness coursework, and practice more complex community skills like transit navigation and restaurant ordering.
Year 3 | Transition and Independence
Students move into supported competitive employment where appropriate, alongside advanced life skills instruction, self-advocacy training, and planning for what comes after AIA, including vocational rehabilitation, colleges, and adult community programs.
Real Skills, Real Experience
Students rotate through internships in five areas: Front Office, Classroom Support, School Farm, Digital Media, and Fitness support. Each internship is structured across three levels of independence, so students are challenged at the right pace and can grow over time.
Students also gain direct business experience through Shark Bites Cafe, the school's student-run uniform printing program, and Inspired Farming, where they learn everything from inventory and ordering to customer service and sales.
Partner With Us
The Autism Inspired Academy Transition Program helps young adults with autism build workplace skills, confidence, and independence through meaningful volunteer experiences in the community. We are seeking community partners interested in providing students with opportunities to experience real workplace environments through structured volunteer visits.
What Our Visits Look Like
1 Coach, 2 to 4 Students
A trained job coach accompanies every small group to ensure support, supervision, and success.
Consistent Schedule
Students visit a few times each month, building routine, confidence, and familiarity with your workplace.
No Cost to You
Students volunteer while learning employment skills. AIA provides all supervision, at no cost to your business.
How Students Can Help
We work with your team to identify helpful, appropriate tasks, such as:
- Organizing or stocking supplies
- Cleaning and sanitizing work areas
- Sorting, folding, or packaging items
- Preparing materials
- Completing simple office or inventory tasks
- Assisting with other routine business needs
Benefits of Partnering With Us
Your partnership allows students to:
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- Learn how to work in a real workplace environment
- Practice communication, teamwork, and responsibility
- Build job skills and independence
- Volunteer and give back to the community
In return, your business receives support with routine tasks while helping create meaningful and inclusive opportunities for young adults.
More Ways to Get Involved
Beyond structured volunteer visits, partnerships can also include:
- Job shadow or short-term internship, coordinated on-site with our transition team
- Mock interview or workplace tour
- Community-based instruction outing at your worksite
- Supported employment placement, coordinated through Vocational Rehabilitation
Benefits of Partnering With Us
Nationally, as many as 85 percent of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed. Every visit at your business is a step toward changing that, giving one student real work, a team that sees them as a capable contributor, and growing confidence that carries toward independence after graduation.
Other Ways to Connect
For partnership inquiries:
Kayce Rhoden, Transition Program Coordinator
Email: krhoden@autisminspired.org
Join us in our mission to empower children with autism to have lives of meaning, purpose, and joy.
