The vision for The Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism was simple: adults with autism have a critical need for services and educational opportunities once they turn 21 and public school services end. According to recent stats, about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder nationwide. New Jersey has one of the highest rates of autism diagnoses, with about 1 in 34 children identified on the spectrum.
It took more than a decade to get the center up and running. The last 10+ years of work were celebrated Tuesday when the new academy opened at its Wall Twp. location of Brookdale Community College.
The Academy, which should open in 2025, features various rooms to support adults in developing essential life skills. One space will have modular furniture and a large screen for instructional videos and lessons. Other rooms include industrial-strength refrigerators and freezers to help adults learn budgeting, shopping and meal preparation, including booth seating and high-top dinettes to mimic a restaurant, with plans to run a business where students can make coffees or treats for the Brookdale campus, gaining experience in a business environment.
Another room is designed to mimic a one-bedroom apartment with a small dining nook, bedroom, home-like bathroom, and laundry facilities, allowing adults to practice hygiene and daily living skills.
A classroom will also replicate environments like a hair salon or doctor’s office to help adults with sensory needs become comfortable with these experiences, reinforcing essential skills for independent living. There is also a fitness area.
“Brookdale has several pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities, and we can begin funneling students from those programs into the Achieve Academy. Our specialty in academics allows us to develop certificate programs and degrees to support the clients of the Academy,” said David M. Stout, Ph.D., president of Brookdale Community College. “Whether it’s training behavior analysts or technicians, we can build certificate programs to support this initiative. This partnership between many entities is a testament to our collective dedication, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
Many donations went into this project. Bryan Keeshen of Shoreland Construction donated time and materials. Steve Leone, principal of Spiezle Architectural Group, donated all his work to this building. The Frances and Paul Turner Family Foundation, Inc., made a generous financial donation. Joseph Shimko, a longtime Wall resident and former All-American at North Carolina State, now with the Arizona Cardinals, raised $60,000 through his annual Joe Shimko Foundation Fundraiser event. Congressman Chris Smith assisted in securing a $400,000 grant that will be used to furnish the building and purchase the necessary fixtures.
Brookdale at Wall is located at 800 Monmouth Blvd., Wall Twp. For more information, call 732-280-7090.
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