Healthcare & Academic Collaborations

Creating a clear path for healthcare to meet the diverse needs of our underserved population.

Addressing a critical need.

A lack of focus on adults with autism and/or other intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) persists in healthcare education and training. To address this alarming reality, First Place Global is developing strategic partnerships with leading healthcare organizations, universities and medical schools. Future medical professionals are benefiting from hands-on, on-site learning about the complex lives of adults with autism and/or I/DD, guiding and empowering the medical community to provide them with higher quality care.

Bridging the healthcare gap.

Creighton University’s Health Sciences Campus is just three blocks from First Place–Phoenix. More than neighbors, we’re allies on a mission to align efforts to bridge the healthcare gap that threatens the future of so many young adults with autism and/or I/DD. Engaging fourth-year medical students. Through a collaboration between First Place Global and Creighton University School of Medicine, the MED 459 “Minding the Gap” selective offers fourth-year medical students hands-on experience in autism and developmental disability care. MED 459 allows students to shadow community physicians; visit innovative sites across education, vocational training and therapeutic services; and explore the full spectrum of supports for neurodiverse individuals. Each student also partners with a First Place–Phoenix resident to help set and work toward a personal health and wellness goal. As part of the course, students complete 360 Health & Wellness®: Implementing Care to build skills for delivering compassionate, individualized care
Download MED 459 Report
Watch MED 459 Video

Research driving healthy change.

Together with ASU’s College Research and Evaluation Services Team and College of Health Solutions, First Place Global is implementing studies to support critical education initiatives. These include the First Place Transition Academy’s longitudinal study, along with First Place Global’s national translational research collective and supportive amenities stipend.

Listening sessions

With support from The NARBHA Institute, F2 Family Foundation and Make Waves, First Place Global is engaging Arizona healthcare professionals and specialists to support adults with autism and/or other intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who have complex physical, behavioral or community needs.

The report shares 2023–24 data from discussions with adults with autism and/or I/DD, health workers and community members. It also provides a plan to help new and current healthcare workers provide more effective care to this population.

Our vision is of a world where individuals with autism and/or I/DD are understood, supported and valued. We invite others to explore opportunities to join us in this effort so that together we can expand and improve care.

Download Full Report
Download Plain Language Report

Other collaborations

These organizations are helping First Place Global accomplish its goal of increasing access to quality healthcare by building a supportive, responsive medical culture throughout the community.

First Place Global Leadership Institute

MED 459 Report

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First Place Global Leadership Institute

Statewide Listening Sessions Report 2023-24

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