Project Beacon is a nonprofit organization which opened a new facility on May 19 to provide day-to-day skills training for Montgomery County adults with A/I/DD. The organization commissioned the study in 2024 with Tri-County Behavioral Health Center.
According to the study, barriers neurodivergent adults face in engaging with their communities include social overstimulation and lack of transportation, accessible activities and financial support.
"It's important for them to make progress and growth beyond what their autism diagnosis gives them," said Cary Mollinedo, director for Texas Autism Academy, a private school for autistic students. "So that's all that we were seeing. And then all of a sudden it was like, 'What are we going to do with these kids when they graduate?' ...There are a lot of kids that aren't going to be able to go to college, or a lot of kids aren't going to ever live by themselves."
Project Beacon Access Center areas
- The Zen Zone: An indoor physical activity space
- Empowerment Haven: High-support needs classroom teaching autonomy and self-regulation
- Culinary Corner: Area for teaching meal planning and prepping
- Sensory and Chill Out Rooms: One-on-one spaces for de-escalation and calming
- Connection Cove: Communications skill building space with virtual reality and online training
- Independence Lab: Household management lessons
- Skills Studio and Storefront: Pre-vocational training and marketplace area
- The Nexus: A gathering space for assignments and outings
Why it matters
The study said an estimated 10,091 adults with an intellectual disability in Montgomery County rely on a caregiver over the age of 60, leaving future long term care a key concern. The study also found the majority of A/I/DD adults requiring day-to-day care make less than $600 monthly, which limits the amount of affordable housing available to the population, the study said.
“Housing options are vital for individuals with A/I/DD because they provide a foundation for independence, stability, and quality of life,” said Evan Roberson, executive director of Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare.
What's next
Project Beacon Executive Director Kelly Baughman said the next step for the center is to become a certified Texas Workforce Commission partner, which will allow the educational center to offer additional pre-vocational training and job search assistance. However, the work is being done in conjunction with clinical staff to ensure housing and job opportunities are available and suitable for their population.
The long-term vision includes ultimately creating a housing center, which could see design and construction in 2028.
Mollinedo said Texas Autism Academy sees ongoing needs emerging among young adults they teach.
"There is a massive need," Mollinedo said. "So there are other places there that are starting to fall to this need, and some [children] just need a little bit of support, and some of them need support for the rest of their lives."
