Intensive Support • Early Career • Goal 1:
Prepare for Your First Job
Action step 1.
Think about what employment model will work for you.
There are many different employment models out there. Many people choose competitive employment, where they work full-time or part-time for a business that expects them to do their jobs independently. This may not be the best choice for you if you need a lot of support throughout the day. Instead, you can consider:
- Supported employment: This is an arrangement where you work closely with a job coach, mentor or supervisor who helps you do your job. Your job coach or mentor can help you advocate for your needs at work, arrange job accommodations and provide ongoing support. Most people in a supported employment arrangement receive services from a community-based service provider, like a state VR agency.
- Customized employment: This arrangement may be a good option if your skills or interests don’t exactly match a job, but you can do many of the job requirements. Customized employment is a flexible process where you work with your employer to personalize the job to your strengths, interests and needs. This might require reassigning some tasks to other employees, adjusting the job description or sharing responsibilities with others.
- Self-employment: Although less common, starting your own business can give you a chance to be your own boss, set your own schedule and do work that is customized to your strengths and interests. This could be a good option if you struggle in a traditional work environment. A support team can help you manage the administrative tasks of running the business while you’re free to do what you love.
No matter which model you choose, the most important thing is that you are independent to the best of your ability.
Resources
- From the Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit - What Job is Right for You?
- From Rehabilitation Services Administration – Directory of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- From APH Family Connect - What Parents Need to Know About Supported Employment for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
- From the U.S. Department of Labor – Customized Employment
- From Planning Across the Spectrum – Self-Employment: A Viable Strategy
- From The Globe and Mail – Self-Employment Offers New Worlds for Autistic People
Words to know
Action step 2.
Consider day programs and alternative opportunities.
Some people need a lot of day-to-day support that can make it difficult to find and keep a job. In these cases, it might make more sense to attend a day program that provides activities and supports for adults with disabilities. Day programs allow you to build everyday living skills in a supervised environment while participating in community activities. Some programs even offer opportunities to do paid contract work, like sorting, packaging or assembling items.
When you choose a program, think about your needs and interests. It’s a good idea to schedule a walk through so you can see the facility, learn about the activities the program offers and talk to people about their experience.
Before you decide on a day program, consider your funding opportunities. Many people who participate in these programs receive funding through state and local agencies that may cover all or a part of the adult day services. Most states also offer funding through Medicaid.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 3.
Look into job training programs.
Job training programs can help you learn the skills you need to work in an employment environment. These programs may be structured like a full-day school program, virtual classes or hands-on job coaching. Ticket to Work and other government programs can help you access the vocational training and job coaching services you need to find and keep a job.
Workplace Inclusion Now™ (WIN) is a virtual Autism Speaks program designed by an autistic-led team to help you research, find and keep employment in a competitive labor market. You can apply for a scholarship to the online course designed to help you navigate the workplace.
Resources
- From Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now™ (WIN) - "Navigating Your Differences in the Workplace" training and scholarships
- From Easter Seals - Employment and Job Training for People with Disabilities
- From the American Job Center - Explore options for developing your skills
- From Independent Living Centers (ILCs) - Access job coaching, training and information to live independently
- From Social Security's Ticket to Work - Access job search, job training and career development services for Social Security recipients
- From Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) - Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
Words to know
Action step 4.
Develop work-related "soft skills."
While every job requires different technical skills and knowledge, people also need soft skills to succeed at work. These include things like work ethic, teamwork, organization, willingness to learn and creative problem solving.
Talk to a support person who can help you identify which soft skills are areas of strength for you. You can also talk about your challenges and ways to improve them. In some cases, you may have to ask your employer for accommodations to address your differences in soft skills.
Resources
- From the Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit - Soft Skills: Understanding the Social Elements of Your Job
- From Autism Speaks - Community-based Skills Assessment
- From United Disabilities Services Foundation - Top Soft & Hard Job Skills for Adults with Disabilities
- From the Balance Careers - Top Soft Skills Employers Value with Examples
