IOTI - Autism Employment Training
UT-Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, UCEDD/LEND | |||
Program Type | UCEDD | Fiscal Year | 2020 |
Contact | Jefferson Sheen, PhD | ||
[email protected] | |||
Phone | 435-797-8113 | ||
Project Description | |||
Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD experience challenges in securing and sustaining competitive employment. Even with graduate level skills, they often fail to get or keep employment, and the result is an 85% unemployment rate. Despite their capacity and willingness to work, adults with ASD face significant disadvantages in the labor market, including understanding and support in employment settings. The Autism Employment Training Program AETP) will address critical gaps in knowledge for employers and increase competitive, integrated employment for adults with ASD by providing evidence-based approaches targeting both employers and individuals with ASD. Employment workshops for individuals with ASD will use a peer-led model ("Optimizing Yourself") to uncover strengths, identify employment support needs, and facilitate sharing of success strategies among peers. Six 2-hour workshops sessions will be supplemented by work-based internships for up to three months. The employer component "Autism Works" will provide training and professional development activities for companies. All workshops and employer trainings in this program are presented collaboratively by a pair of experienced trainers, an adult with ASD and a neurotypical adult. The inclusion of the insider's perspective of individuals with ASD who have successfully bridged the employment divide in the design of this program provides unique strategy and support for employers, interns, and employees on the autism spectrum. Outcomes will include 1) paraprofessional learning that increases how many people with ASD get/keep jobs; and 2) how many job opportunities for individuals with ASD are created. |