Creating Meaningful Jobs for Adults with Autism

Van Hatchell

January 28, 2013

Social Entrepreneurism in the Community

Who We Are: Extraordinary Ventures, Inc.

• Takeaways:

– A real business

– Employing 40 adults on the spectrum

– A replicable model

Who We Are: Extraordinary Ventures, Inc.

• Unique Features:

– A portfolio of businesses

– Jobs designed and focused on the

individuals

– Serving the whole spectrum

– Young entrepreneurs managing the

organization

EV Structure: A Balanced

Portfolio EV Laundry

EV Gifts

Other

EV Bus Crew

Event Space

Rentals

EV Office Solutions

2013 Paid Employment Hours by Venture

EV Laundry

EV Gifts

EV Bus Crew

Office Solutions

Event Center

How it works?

• Entrepreneurs run a business

• As businesses become “profitable” we start another ventures

• Our natural deficit is made up by donations

• The goal: Businesses that break even whose employees are happy and fulfilled

What kind of jobs?

• Characteristic of ideal job: – Communicated Visually

– Repetitive tasks

– Consistent Cadence

– Not Rocket Science

A Sample of EV Jobs

Bus Crew

Vacuum

Clean seats

Wash windows

Supervise duties

A Sample of EV Jobs

Laundry

Sort & inventory

Operate machines

Fold & pack

Pick up & delivery

EV Fits the Job Around the Person

50% Growth

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2010 2011 2012 2013

Number of Employees: 2010 - 2013

How do we train our

employees?

• Process of onboarding an employee: – Walking interview

– Skill assessment

– Hands-on training

– Structure using TEACCH Method

Our History: Early Days

• Parents organized to solve the problem

• Getting started

• Accepting Trial and Error

Finding Our Footing

• Create businesses that fit the employees

• Managing on business principles

• Hiring young entrepreneurs

Meeting Challenges

• Selling

• Flexible structuring

• Seasonality

• Avoiding Out-of-Control Growth

• Choosing a “Right Size”

Lessons Learned

1. Get started

2. Accept trial and error

3. Focus on local markets

4. Treat it as a real business

Our Goals

To provide meaningful jobs for our employees.

To inspire and motivate.

To be a model.

Van Hatchell

EV Managing Director

www.extraordinaryventures.org

Patrick

Ride

in Cars

Follow Recipe

Fold clothes

Vacuum Floors