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Transition Academy

Broadening life skills. Building confidence. Experiencing success.

First Place Transition Academy

Independent living takes practice.

The First Place Transition Academy, with clinical services provided by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), is a structured two-year program designed for adults with autism that helps build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills. Within the supportive environment of First Place–Phoenix, participants can maximize their capacity to live more independently through our Learn4Independence® curriculum and individualized services.

VIEW THE PROCESS
Take a tour
VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP
A Day in the Life

Two-Year Program

During the Transition Academy’s two-year program, participants live in their own private bedroom in a four-bedroom suite on the first floor of First Place–Phoenix. They benefit from career services ranging from volunteer work and internships to employment. Living at First Place, participants can enjoy a wide range of property amenities, the convenience of a midtown location and walking distance to public transportation.

In year one, the syllabus includes 16 of 32 Learn4Independence courses enabling individuals to build more independent life and work skills. In year two, participants complete the remaining 16 courses, continue transition planning and, upon completion of the program, receive a certificate in life skills at the GateWay Community College graduation ceremony.

Note: Pricing and programming are subject to change.

Transition Academy Participant Criteria & Evaluation
First Place Transition Academy Year 1 - Day in the Life Schedule
Sample Day in the Life - Year 1
First Place Transition Academy Year 1 - Day in the Life Schedule
Sample Day in the Life - Year 2

Learn4Independence® Curriculum

First Place and SARRC have partnered to develop a state-of-the-art, educational transition program for 16 participants every two years as they develop more independent-living skills within a supportive, connected community. Participants take part in Learn4Independence®, a two-year curriculum of 32 semester-length courses (16–17 weeks each) taught by SARRC at GateWay Community College in Phoenix. They can also apply what they learn every day through community-based experiences and in their apartments, or “independent living classrooms.” Courses include:

Community
Community
Etiquette
Etiquette
Finances
Finances
Health
Health
Identity
Identity
Living on My Own
Living on My Own
Nutrition
Nutrition
Relationships
Relationships
Safety
Safety
Solutions
Solutions
Transportation
Transportation
Work
Work
Organization
Organization
Bring Learn4Independence® to Your Community!

Rent & Tuition Includes

Private Bedroom

Private Bedroom
(Shared Apartment)

Solutions

Appliances & Utilities

Learn4Independence Courses

Learn4Independence Courses

Clinical Services

Clinical Services

Work

Employment Services

View Pricing Sheet

Join Us for a First Place Transition Academy Tour

First Place conducts tours for individuals interested in the First Place Transition Academy. Family members are also welcome. Come and learn about programs for adults with autism, acceptance criteria and more. You’ll also get the chance to experience first-hand some of “a day in the life” of our participants.

View Upcoming Open House Events

Discover First Place

Complete the form below for more information or join us on a tou​r.

TA Registration now open

Registration now open for Transition Academy 2023-25

Apply Today!