Puzzle Pieces & OCTC launch Inclusive Circles, a Comprehensive Support Program for College Students with Autism

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (07/15/2024) — Puzzle Pieces and Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) proudly announce the launch of Inclusive Circles, a transformative program designed to enhance the college experience and success of students with autism. Puzzle Pieces will collaborate with OCTC to pilot this 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 is a testament to Puzzle Pieces' commitment to evolving and meeting the diverse needs of our community. 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," said Amanda Owen, Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces.

OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams commented, "We are excited to be able to add this service as an additional support for our students. 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."

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.

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.

Why Inclusive Circles?

With 1 in 25 students on college campuses being on the autism spectrum, the need for specialized, effective support is critical. 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 addresses this gap by offering a one-of-a-kind curriculum by Puzzle Pieces Autism Services Director Blaire 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.

"I am passionate about finding partnerships that help individuals with autism reach their full potential. The collaboration with OCTC on Inclusive Circles was a natural fit, given OCTC's strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities. I am proud to align Puzzle Pieces Autism Services with OCTC and make a significant impact on the lives of their students with autism," said Puzzle Pieces Autism Services Director Blaire Neighbors.

Program Structure:

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 the first 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.

Qualifications:

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.

Recruitment Initiatives:

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. Interested students can contact Bobbi Sandifer at bobbisandifer@puzzle-pieces.org for more information.

Inclusive Circles represents a significant step forward in supporting autistic students at OCTC, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed for academic and personal success. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment, OCTC and Puzzle Pieces are paving the way for a brighter future for students with autism.

For more informtion please contact Puzzle Pieces or OCTC via bernie.hale@kctcs.edu.

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