Topic 6: Training Sites

• Coding Autism - This is a training program that teaches people with ASD skills in software engineering, quality assurance and website design/development. After training is completed the program helps find employment. Coding Autism believes they are successful "by providing services such as immersive programs and bootcamps, resume workshops, career counseling, interview preparation, and coaching/mentorship, all of which is designed around providing an environment where people on the spectrum can thrive" (2017).

• First Place Transition Academy - This training program takes place in Phoenix, Arizona and is focused on the whole individual rather than just employment. They work with individuals with ASD in order to prepare for the adult world, including living arrangements, finances, transportation, as well as employment. The program trains participants "on the job" but also provides training in conflict resolution.

• Uptimize - Uptimize offers a program called "Learn the Steps, Get Employed." This program is in collaboration with the Autistic Global Initiative of the Autism Research Institute and focuses on effectively training people with autism in a self-directed manner. Instruction is delivered in "bite-sized" pieces and users are able to choose the best training path based on their interests. Training includes everything from writing a resume and interview preparation to how to disclose a disability.

• Specialist Guild - The Specialist Guild is "a nonprofit social enterprise focused on working with people and companies so individuals with autism can earn a living doing meaningful and fulfilling work" (2018). This program is based in San Francisco, CA.

• NonPareil Institute - The NonPareil Institute is a nonprofit organization providing technical training for people with autism 18 and up based on video game and app design/development. The program is based out of Texas but has several institute locations. The program not only trains individuals, but also provides housing and employment assistance.

• Exceptional Minds - This nonprofit is a vocational center and animation studio focused on training people with ASD. Located in Sherman Oaks, California, Exceptional minds seeks to "maximize the talents of artists on the autism spectrum with customized instruction and hands-on experience to prepare them for gainful work in digital arts and animation" (2018). Similarly, Aspiritech is a nonprofit based in Chicago focusing on software development and testing. Aspirtech believes they are successful by "harnessing the strengths of people with autism – attention to detail, precision, an affinity for repetitive tasks, outstanding technology skills – and providing our Test Engineers with a combination of intensive training, structure, and support to mitigate potential workplace challenges" (2018).

• Nobis Works- Based in Georgia, this nonprofit organization offering a number of services to people with autism. Trainees will receive vocational evaluations, work evaluations, work adjustment training, classroom instruction, skills training, and job placement services.

• Easter Seals - This nonprofit organization focuses on all people with disabilities, as well as the elderly and veterans. They offer a variety of training opportunities and assist in job placement, actively hiring many who participate in the program.

• HANDSmade - This program is located in Indiana and started as an initiative by the Hands in Autism Center, which focuses on providing a successful work environment for people with autism. This program provides a number of opportunities for participants, including working individually with staff support on specific interests of the participant. This program is meant to "provide assessment, teaching, and monitoring of outcomes related to employment and training, community participation, and living skills but also creates an environment for occupational growth, skill acquirement, and support leading to higher quality of life for participants as measure through individualized transition goals and outcomes" (2014). To see all options view their service and training model.

• Have Dreams in Evanston, IL conducts employment training, internship and Life SCILS programs for adults with autism. There mission is to "help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn, function independently and socialize so that they may realize their full potential and develop into contributing members of their communities" (2018).

• Goodwill Industries International Inc. is also committed to hiring individuals with disabilities and has a variety of training and supports available.

This list only scratches the surface of the vast number of training opportunities and resources that are available to both people with autism and employers seeking to hire people with autism. Later on in this Topic we will further explore these resources.

Activity: Watch this TED Talk on how disabilities are viewed in the workplace (7 min). What does Susan Robinson mean when she says "she failed at being disabled?"