🕐 Coming fall 2026

Real World Readiness Lab

A research-backed program helping neurodiverse adolescents and young adults build the social, communication, and workplace skills they need to thrive — in partnership with Arizona State University.

📅 Launch: fall 2026 🏫 ASU research partner 💰 Funded by UHCCCP 🕐 2-year initiative

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Program overview

What is the Real World Readiness Lab?

RWRL evaluates the effectiveness of inclusive, community-based programming in improving social-pragmatic communication, job readiness, self-advocacy, and community engagement for neurodiverse adolescents and young adults ages 11–30.

90
Adolescents
(ages 11–17)
32
Young adults
(ages 18–30)
90 min
Weekly sessions
2 years
Program duration
Target outcomes

What success looks like

Pre- and post-program assessments measure outcomes across three participant groups with defined targets.

≥75% Adolescents (11–17) improve in pragmatic communication and social functioning
≥70% Young adults (18–30) report increased confidence in job readiness and workplace skills
≥80% Peer mentors report growth in empathy, leadership, and communication
Research design

How we measure what works

RWRL uses a pre–post cohort evaluation with ongoing monitoring. Each participant goes through a structured assessment process across the 2-year program.

Participant evaluation sequence

Multi-source data collection from participants, caregivers, and facilitators.

Data sources

Evidence drawn from multiple perspectives to ensure rigor and completeness of findings.

Partnership structure

MORIAH and Arizona State University

This initiative pairs MORIAH's program expertise with ASU's research infrastructure and IRB oversight.

🏫 ASU research partner

  • ✓Research design and methodological rigor
  • ✓Assessment tool selection and validation
  • ✓IRB submission and oversight
  • ✓Statistical analysis and interpretation
  • ✓6-month and final outcomes reporting

♥ MORIAH program lead

  • ✓Program implementation and delivery
  • ✓Participant recruitment and enrollment
  • ✓Data collection and facilitator documentation
  • ✓Program oversight and quality assurance
Funding

Grant and budget

RWRL is funded by a $60,000–$80,000 research allocation from UHCCCP (United Health Care Community Care Program) over the 2-year initiative. The grant covers research design, assessment tools, data analysis, and reporting.

Timeline

Key milestones

May 2026
Grant start
$60,000–$80,000 research allocation activated. UHCCCP funding confirmed. Co-development of research plan begins with ASU.
Summer 2026
Research plan finalized
Outcome measures finalized, data collection tools established, IRB process determined, and research roles defined (PI, Co-I, facilitators).
Fall 2026
Program launch
Participant enrollment opens. Weekly 90-minute sessions begin for adolescents (ages 11–17) and young adults (ages 18–30).
Every 6 months
Progress reporting
ASU produces interim reports with findings shared with MORIAH leadership and UHCCCP funders.
2028
Final outcomes report
Full 2-year cohort evaluation complete. Statistical analysis and final report produced by the ASU research team.
Stay informed

Enrollment opens fall 2026

The Real World Readiness Lab is currently in its research design phase. Enter your email to be notified when enrollment opens for adolescents, young adults, and peer mentors.

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