In the Tulsa metro area, research shows that 29,000 people have developmental disabilities or autism. Of those individuals, eighty-five percent are unemployed, with 74% living with their families for their entire lives.
Mary Ogle, CEO of A New Leaf, saw a need to develop real-life skills for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism. The Hardesty Transition Academy was formed in 2022. It is the first in the state.
The academy is a two-year residential program focused on work and life skills, helping individuals seek a healthy and independent life. Its mission is to prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the workforce and to foster a sense of belonging in the community where they work and live. It is the only organization in Oklahoma to offer such a comprehensive academy and the fifth in the nation.
“The program offers 80 courses covered over a two-year period, structured in a quarter system,” said Nuceka Chatman, program director for the Hardesty Transition Academy.
“This system provides smaller nuggets of information that this population can gravitate toward versus a semester. With the quarter system, our population can grasp the information through neuroplasticity, doing it routinely over a three-month period, allowing them to truly grasp it before moving on to other courses.”
The program is designed to teach individuals about the simplest things in life that we tend to do routinely. The first and second quarters of the program cover the basics, including forming a positive environment, money matters, grocery shopping, personal shopping, advocacy, and safety. Additional topics include diversity, health and well-being, career inspiration and readiness, body care, and basic technology.
Tulsa Community College’s Northeast campus is the home for the academy, creating an inclusive environment, where students with developmental disabilities and autism can see themselves in a similar educational setting. The students are enrolled at both Tulsa Community College and Hardesty Transition Academy.
In the third and fourth quarters, the program focuses on recognizing other people’s points of view, metacognition, mindfulness, teamwork, and addressing and identifying biases. At the end of the first year, students learn to navigate transportation, public speaking, and voting.
In the students’ second year, they are engaged in work-based learning and take courses related to leadership, forming relationships with peers and groups, career inspiration, job searching, job retention, workplace relationships, and volunteering. They also receive classes on resume writing and mock interviews to prepare for workforce life.
The academy provides transportation for students as the program is residential, requiring them to live on-site at The Village at A New Leaf. However, plans include creating a summer camp and commuter program within the next two-five years.
“The students complete their work-based learning on-site, applying and interviewing for positions in areas like client resources, office administration, facility maintenance, a café, a greenhouse, and retail sales,” Chatman explained.
“We also offer post-graduation services, supporting our graduates for one year afterward. Our first graduating class in July 26 2024 will continue to receive our support until July 2026, helping them find or retain employment.”
The academy is building a 56-unit apartment complex where some graduates can live independently. This aligns with the organization’s mission to promote independent living, allowing graduates to apply their learned skills and lead independent, fulfilling lives.
The student population ranges from 18-31 years old, including individuals with various educational and workforce backgrounds. The quarter system aids in retention by catering to their diverse experiences and needs.
Chatman mentioned that at the end of each quarter, students present what they learned to teachers and parents. Most of the skills learned in the classroom are applied in their residential area, and they receive a certificate of completion by the end of each quarter. The academy is licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, ensuring the certificates are certified.
The academy collaborates with Amplify, a curriculum and assessment company, and Youth Services of Tulsa, providing student training and staff professional development.
Workforce partners include Bill Knight Ford, Not Your Average Joe Coffee, and US Payments. Additionally, ongoing efforts are beginning with QuikTrip and Macy’s to expand workforce opportunities for students.
For more information, visit https://www.anewleaf.org/