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Teaching Independence Without Throwing Graduates Off "The Cliff"
When school ends, the bus stops coming, and traditional transition options do not feel like the right fit, what comes next? In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve talk with Brad Herron-Valenzuela from First Place Phoenix about what it really takes to build independence without “sink or swim” thinking, and the importance of not underestimating people.
Brad shares what has worked, what has changed, and why true independence is not an event but a process of teaching, practicing, and supporting growth over time. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the First Place Transition Academy program, he describes “how many firsts” their graduates experience, first paycheck, first time riding the bus or light rail, first time living away from home, even first time missing a stop or losing a backpack, and why those real-world mistakes are essential to learning.
Brad also explains how a program that once required families to pay fully out of pocket began to shift when outcomes were measured and tracked over time. As data showed meaningful progress, including long-term gains in independence and quality of life, insurance coverage for clinical components became possible. It was not because of marketing, but because evidence changed the conversation.
This episode is not about promoting a single program or suggesting there is one solution that fits every person. It is about noticing what works, understanding the underlying formula, and recognizing that some tools already exist. Learn4Independence®, a core component of the First Place Transition Academy, is a 32-course curriculum developed for adults with autism that focuses on independent living skills and career readiness. Unique curriculum elements accommodate various learning differences and incorporate universally designed instruction adaptable to community and cultural needs.
We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry, the feeling of the clock ticking, and why simply placing someone in an apartment or program is not enough. Skills have to be taught, practiced, and reinforced in real life. Independence is not an event, it is a process.
Learn4Independence is a certified, evidence-informed curriculum that states and school districts can explore, adapt, and implement. With that context, the episode asks a powerful question: Now that you know approaches like this exist, what might you advocate for in your own state, region, or community? Families should not have to invent the future from scratch. Sometimes the work is recognizing proven ideas, adapting them locally, and pushing systems to invest in what truly moves people forward.
🔗 Links Referenced in This Episode
First Place Transition Academy:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/
Transition Academy Discover Day Guide:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/discover-day-guide/
Learn4Independence Life Skills Curriculum:
https://firstplaceglobal.org/employment/learn4independence/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios in Rochester, NY. Learn more at rocvox.com.
Brad shares what has worked, what has changed, and why true independence is not an event but a process of teaching, practicing, and supporting growth over time. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the First Place Transition Academy program, he describes “how many firsts” their graduates experience, first paycheck, first time riding the bus or light rail, first time living away from home, even first time missing a stop or losing a backpack, and why those real-world mistakes are essential to learning.
Brad also explains how a program that once required families to pay fully out of pocket began to shift when outcomes were measured and tracked over time. As data showed meaningful progress, including long-term gains in independence and quality of life, insurance coverage for clinical components became possible. It was not because of marketing, but because evidence changed the conversation.
This episode is not about promoting a single program or suggesting there is one solution that fits every person. It is about noticing what works, understanding the underlying formula, and recognizing that some tools already exist. Learn4Independence®, a core component of the First Place Transition Academy, is a 32-course curriculum developed for adults with autism that focuses on independent living skills and career readiness. Unique curriculum elements accommodate various learning differences and incorporate universally designed instruction adaptable to community and cultural needs.
We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry, the feeling of the clock ticking, and why simply placing someone in an apartment or program is not enough. Skills have to be taught, practiced, and reinforced in real life. Independence is not an event, it is a process.
Learn4Independence is a certified, evidence-informed curriculum that states and school districts can explore, adapt, and implement. With that context, the episode asks a powerful question: Now that you know approaches like this exist, what might you advocate for in your own state, region, or community? Families should not have to invent the future from scratch. Sometimes the work is recognizing proven ideas, adapting them locally, and pushing systems to invest in what truly moves people forward.
🔗 Links Referenced in This Episode
First Place Transition Academy:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/
Transition Academy Discover Day Guide:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/discover-day-guide/
Learn4Independence Life Skills Curriculum:
https://firstplaceglobal.org/employment/learn4independence/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios in Rochester, NY. Learn more at rocvox.com.
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By ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhen school ends, the bus stops coming, and traditional transition options do not feel like the right fit, what comes next? In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve talk with Brad Herron-Valenzuela from First Place Phoenix about what it really takes to build independence without “sink or swim” thinking, and the importance of not underestimating people.
Brad shares what has worked, what has changed, and why true independence is not an event but a process of teaching, practicing, and supporting growth over time. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the First Place Transition Academy program, he describes “how many firsts” their graduates experience, first paycheck, first time riding the bus or light rail, first time living away from home, even first time missing a stop or losing a backpack, and why those real-world mistakes are essential to learning.
Brad also explains how a program that once required families to pay fully out of pocket began to shift when outcomes were measured and tracked over time. As data showed meaningful progress, including long-term gains in independence and quality of life, insurance coverage for clinical components became possible. It was not because of marketing, but because evidence changed the conversation.
This episode is not about promoting a single program or suggesting there is one solution that fits every person. It is about noticing what works, understanding the underlying formula, and recognizing that some tools already exist. Learn4Independence®, a core component of the First Place Transition Academy, is a 32-course curriculum developed for adults with autism that focuses on independent living skills and career readiness. Unique curriculum elements accommodate various learning differences and incorporate universally designed instruction adaptable to community and cultural needs.
We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry, the feeling of the clock ticking, and why simply placing someone in an apartment or program is not enough. Skills have to be taught, practiced, and reinforced in real life. Independence is not an event, it is a process.
Learn4Independence is a certified, evidence-informed curriculum that states and school districts can explore, adapt, and implement. With that context, the episode asks a powerful question: Now that you know approaches like this exist, what might you advocate for in your own state, region, or community? Families should not have to invent the future from scratch. Sometimes the work is recognizing proven ideas, adapting them locally, and pushing systems to invest in what truly moves people forward.
🔗 Links Referenced in This Episode
First Place Transition Academy:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/
Transition Academy Discover Day Guide:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/discover-day-guide/
Learn4Independence Life Skills Curriculum:
https://firstplaceglobal.org/employment/learn4independence/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios in Rochester, NY. Learn more at rocvox.com.
Brad shares what has worked, what has changed, and why true independence is not an event but a process of teaching, practicing, and supporting growth over time. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the First Place Transition Academy program, he describes “how many firsts” their graduates experience, first paycheck, first time riding the bus or light rail, first time living away from home, even first time missing a stop or losing a backpack, and why those real-world mistakes are essential to learning.
Brad also explains how a program that once required families to pay fully out of pocket began to shift when outcomes were measured and tracked over time. As data showed meaningful progress, including long-term gains in independence and quality of life, insurance coverage for clinical components became possible. It was not because of marketing, but because evidence changed the conversation.
This episode is not about promoting a single program or suggesting there is one solution that fits every person. It is about noticing what works, understanding the underlying formula, and recognizing that some tools already exist. Learn4Independence®, a core component of the First Place Transition Academy, is a 32-course curriculum developed for adults with autism that focuses on independent living skills and career readiness. Unique curriculum elements accommodate various learning differences and incorporate universally designed instruction adaptable to community and cultural needs.
We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry, the feeling of the clock ticking, and why simply placing someone in an apartment or program is not enough. Skills have to be taught, practiced, and reinforced in real life. Independence is not an event, it is a process.
Learn4Independence is a certified, evidence-informed curriculum that states and school districts can explore, adapt, and implement. With that context, the episode asks a powerful question: Now that you know approaches like this exist, what might you advocate for in your own state, region, or community? Families should not have to invent the future from scratch. Sometimes the work is recognizing proven ideas, adapting them locally, and pushing systems to invest in what truly moves people forward.
🔗 Links Referenced in This Episode
First Place Transition Academy:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/
Transition Academy Discover Day Guide:
https://firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/discover-day-guide/
Learn4Independence Life Skills Curriculum:
https://firstplaceglobal.org/employment/learn4independence/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios in Rochester, NY. Learn more at rocvox.com.