Owensboro Community and Technical College introducing support program for students with autism

Owensboro Community and Technical College is partnering with local organization Puzzle Pieces to launch a pilot for its new program, Inclusive Circles, in the Fall 2024 semester. Inclusive Circles will provide additional support to Owensboro Community and Technical College students who have autism and will help guide them to a successful college experience.

According to an article on Owensboro Community and Technical College’s website, Amanda Owen, who serves as the Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces, shared her thoughts about the Inclusive Circles program. She is quoted as saying, "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.”

Puzzle Pieces is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 that, according to its website, follows its mission “To provide a safe environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote independence, life skills, community access and involvement, social interaction, communication skills, self-worth, and trusting relationships between clients, staff, and families.” 

The Inclusive Circles pilot is being funded via Vocational Rehabilitation, allowing students in the pilot program to take part at no cost to them. The Autism Services Director at Puzzle Pieces, Blaire Neighbors, developed the curriculum that will be used within Inclusive Circles. The curriculum was designed as a way to build upon the services Owensboro Community and Technical College currently offers via its Career and Life Skills program, a somewhat similar program that focuses on helping neurotypical students prepare for the workforce and develop independence.

"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 Neighbors.

The Inclusive Circles curriculum is made up of six pillars: Study Tables, Mentoring, Socials, Mental Health Counseling, Weekly Advisor Meetings, and Social Skills Curriculum. Each pillar of support is meant to engage students with autism with learning opportunities to help them succeed on campus.

Beginning with the pilot program in the Fall 2024 semester, five to eight students who already attend Owensboro Community and Technical College will take part in the first four pillars of the program. These are Study Tables, Socials, Weekly Adviser Meetings, and Mentoring. The second phase of the program will begin with the Fall 2025 semester and the program will be expanded to include 20 students following active recruitment from high schools. The final two pillars, Mental Health Counseling and Social Skills Curriculum, will also be added. 

Dr. Scott Williams, the president of Owensboro Community and Technical College, shared his thoughts about the Inclusive Circles program, saying, "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.”

For more information about Owensboro Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.