GS Community College

As Giant Steps entered its 14th year of operation, it became clear that there was a need for autism-specific service provision for young adults leaving school. Once our students turn 18, there are a limited number of autism-friendly services available to them.

So, in 2009, Giant Steps established the GS Community College (GSCC) to address the need for an autism-specific post-school options program. The College is open to students graduating from the Giant Steps Secondary Program as well as other young adults with autism from the wider community.

The GSCC is based on the principles of adult community education programs and offers a wide variety of courses for continued learning.   A four-year program provides young adults with autism access to equivalent learning opportunities to those of their mainstream peers, who may go on to further study after completing high school.

The GSCC takes a balanced approach between providing educational opportunities, developing life skills and encouraging participation in recreational activities.  Students will have the opportunity to attain new skills and become more competent in areas of their life important to both them and their families.

While the program has been established under the Giant Steps umbrella, it has a separate management committee to ensure the program meets the young adults' specific needs, but at the same time is able to call upon the significant resources and skill base of the Giant Steps organisation.

One of the goals of the GS Community College is to serve as an exemplary model in the field of service provision for young adults with autism.