Engaged

When we are engaged, we are moving forward

© Bolda Communications, LLC

The Problem • There are currently approximately 2.5 million adults with autism living in the U.S.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing disability in the country. Today, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with ASD. In 2000, the ratio was 1 in 150.

• Over the next 10 years, half a million young adults with ASD will “age out” of school and enter the workforce.

• Research tells us that they’re less likely than any other disability group to be employed or pursue post-secondary education. Young adults with ASD have the highest risk of being completely disengaged from any kind of post secondary education or employment.

• National data indicates that the vast majority of adults with autism are either unemployed or underemployed with estimates as high as 90%.

• According to the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, 75% of all adults with disabilities are employable. This figure could be higher for adults with ASD.

• At least 80% of adults on the spectrum live at home and 40% receive no disability support. Will our nation be ready as their parents pass on, leaving little in financial support?ⁱ

(Sources of above data collected by Autism Speaks from a variety of sources, including U.S. Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Education and anecdotal information from states across the country). ⁱ American Academy of Pediatrics.

Here’s the Good News!

• With a little support and training, adults with ASD can be the best workers a business ever employed.

• Adults with autism are socially awkward but naturally gifted. By nature, they are dedicated, honest and hard-working people.

• Because of the complex nature of autism and how it affects the mind, most autistic individuals have an inability to lie. Do you want an honest employee? Hire someone with autism.

• Work requiring attention to details, processes, focus, and repetition are normally a good fit for adults with ASD.

• Workplace gossip, phone texting and addiction to social media should not pose a concern for employers hiring adults with autism.

• Status, egos and money are not part of the “hard wiring” of a person with ASD.

• The growth of jobs in manufacturing, retail and other service trades could be filled by many adults with autism.

Solving the Problem

Engaged Our mission is to provide competitive employment opportunities for adults with autism, with the

support and training so they can be successful in the workplace.

Operating Model:

• Connection - We will develop partnerships with different businesses and nonprofit organizations that can use or need employees to perform various jobs.

• Assessment - We will assess adults with special needs on a case by case basis to determine abilities to work various jobs.

• Support - We will provide the support and specialized training they need to cope with their disability in the workplace and be successful.

Staffing Needs:

• Director of Engaged Services

• Job Coach

• Assessment Specialist (staff or contracted service)

• Life Skills Instructor

Partnerships

Based upon several nonprofits and private businesses successfully operating in other states, there are several employment models that are well-suited for providing jobs for adults on the autism spectrum.

Thrift Stores

In Franklin, TN and Matthews, NC, nonprofit groups are operating thrift stores that employ 14 to 30 adults with autism and special needs. The positions are numerous and include:

• Stocking

• Processor/donations attendant

• Cashier

• E-commerce associate

(see www.ourthriftstore.org; and www.zabsplace.org)

Partnerships

Car Washes

In Parkland FL, a father and son started a car wash as a place of employment for the younger son who has autism. All their attendants are young men on the spectrum. Positions include:

• Car wash attendant

• Detailer

• Cashier

(see www.risingtidecarwash.com)

Partnerships

Cafes and restaurants

Family-owned and operated restaurants and cafes have often employed young adults with special needs. Businesses that can offer a little more support and direction to these workers will be successful. Customers appreciate seeing this concern and care by the business owner.

• Dishwasher

• Busser

• Baristas

• Banquet server

• Cleaning and maintenance

Partnerships

Industrial, Office and Commercial Cleaning Services

Cleaning of offices and other commercial facilities is often scheduled after hours. This provides for a quiet and distraction-free environment. These jobs need workers who are suited for giving attention to details and working through an assigned process. This is an ideal working environment for someone with special needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Based on the assessment, some adults may be more suited for volunteer positions within nonprofit organizations in the community. There they can learn job skills such as keeping regular hours, proper attire and personal interaction with others that will prepare them for regular employment. There are many volunteer opportunities benefiting nonprofits in our community. The key activity is being engaged.

Engaged Services

The target population for services are adults diagnosed with autism or special need that would benefit from competitive employment ranging from part-time (10 to 20 hours per week) to full-time (40 hours). Many are not receiving supplemental social security payments. The fact is many have applied but have not been approved for any government support.

Engaged Services are available to clients for the first three months on the job. A successful job placement is measured by being in the position for three months. Engaged will provide the following services to adults with ASD:

A. Intake and evaluation

B. Case management

C. Job coaching

D. Workplace and social skills training

Engaged Services

In order to be successful in the workplace, adults on the spectrum need to learn socialization and pragmatic language skills to better communicate with customers and co-workers. Led by a licensed speech therapist, Engaged Services will provide specialized workshops with clients to prepare them for the everyday work environment.

*Budget

• Staff salaries

• Cost of training and initial employment of job placements

• Mileage and travel

• Conferences, training opportunities

• Office supplies

• Marketing

• Lease or rental of office space

*$84,645 Est. with donated office space. Does not include hourly salaries of job placements and insurance.

Funding Model

• Grants from private foundations; federal or state government for start-up expenses, including some staff salaries, and training

• Fee for services

• Individuals and businesses

• DDSN contracted service provider

• Corporations and their foundations

• Partnership employers