Information, resources and research about work and disability issues
Find us on Facebook Project SEARCH Graduation
Program trains young people with autism for jobs
Rates of autism, a developmental disability that shows up as difficulties with communication, social interaction and behavior, have increased significantly in recent years. One of the first signs of autism noticed by parents is a young child's lack of eye contact.
"The U.S. is more interested in autism than in any other disability that I have ever seen in my decades-old career," Wehman said yesterday at a ceremony honoring the students. "What they are learning is the tremendous potential and gifts that many people with autism bring to the table."
Bon Secours, VCU, Henrico County Public Schools and the state departments of Rehabilitative Services and Education are all partners in the job-training effort. Share your comments about similar programs on our Facebook Page.
View the video from the Project SEARCH graduation, http://www.bonsecoursgoodsharing.org/mission-values/projectsearch/
Virginia Department of Education provided start-up funding for project implementation. Project Information
JVR Article
Autism spectrum disorders in adolescence and early adulthood: Characteristics and issues
by Carol M. Schall and Jennifer Todd McDonough
Much has been written about the diagnostic characteristics that distinguish autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from other disorders of childhood for toddlers and elementary school age children. There is a paucity of description of the characteristics and needs of youth and young adults with ASD. This paper presents a description of the characteristics of ASD in adolescence and young adulthood and presents three case studies to illuminate the issues confronting individuals with ASD, their families and support providers.
The Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation is published by IOS Press
HVRP Factsheet: Informational Interviews
by Cary Griffin
Informational interviewing is a great way to develop work experience settings, build a job placement network, to discover new kinds of jobs, to introduce yourself and your services to employers, and to build the mental database that all of us rely on for employment ideas when beginning a job search with someone. Getting an appointment for an informational interview is usually much easier than setting up a job development meeting.
A casual conversation with a prospective employer at the monthly Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” social or at a service club meeting (e.g. Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, et al.) can lead to a probe such as, “I’ve never seen your operation before. Would you mind if I called you to set up a time for a tour and a bit of a chat?” Most folks love to talk about their business and since you are not pressing them, setting up a phone call is considered low-risk. Make sure to follow-up soon,before the conversation is forgotten, and to illustrate commitment.
HVRP (Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project) Technical Assistance Center is funded by grant #HV-16488-07-75-5-51with the US DOL.
Upcoming Employment Webcast
Asperger's Syndrome and Employment
Presenter:
Dan Coulter
Date: Aug. 12, 2010 | 2:00pm Eastern
This webcast describes strategies and tactics that help people with Asperger Syndrome become successful long-term employees. It includes examples of highly productive employees who have a range of Asperger strengths and challenges. While the webcast is primarily designed for people with Asperger Syndrome and their parents, teachers and job coaches; it will also be helpful for employers and anyone who wishes to learn more about Asperger Syndrome in the workplace.Register for this webcast
VCU-RRTC is funded by grant #H133B040011 with the US DOE - NIDRR.
VCU-RRTC Online Courses - CEUs & CRCs Available
Overview of Self-Employment for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities 7/26/10 - 8/30/10
Self-employment is increasingly recognized as a viable employment option for people with disabilities. Self employment for individuals with disabilities involves minimizing the fears of the prospective business owner, as well as the rehab & local small business development professionals who assist them. Find out more & Register
Into Adulthood: Transition to Work for Individuals with Autism 7/19/10 - 8/30/10 - This course will provide the participant with an in-depth understanding of the concepts related to positive transition planning for youth with autism. The issues, challenges, and strategies that are involved with helping young people with autism participate to the fullest degree in society will be examined. Find out more & Register
Supported Employment Web-based Certificate Series (ACRE-certified) 8/16/10 - 11/15/10 - ACRE-certified* This online course provides an extensive overview of supported employment and how to facilitate competitive jobs for individuals with significant disabilities. Topics include: Federal Policy and Overview Customer Profile; Marketing and Job Development; Job-Site Support; and Long Term Supports & Funding. Find out more & Register
Supported Competitive Employment for Individuals with Mental Illness (ACRE-certified) 8/16/10 - 11/15/10 - ACRE-certified* - This online course provides an extensive overview of supported competitive employment for individuals with mental illness. Sessions will include these topics: Overview and Values Base; Building Relationships with Business; Establishing a Career Direction; Locating Work Opportunities; Employment Support; and Funding & Other Topics. Find out more & Register
VCU-RRTC is funded by grant #H133B040011 with the US DOE - NIDRR.
Project Empowerment Webcast
The Three-Factor Model for Counseling Culturally Diverse Individuals
Date: July 28th |
Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm ET Presenters: Allen Lewis, Ph.D., Aisha Shamburger, MS, CRC, CRP, Ph.D. Student
Do you ever wonder what tools are out there that really work to improve your ability as a service provider of rehabilitation or disability services to connect cross-culturally? Do you sometimes wish that you could find the “right” tool that would integrate seamlessly into your current counseling style? Look no further. The three-factor model is an assessment tool that you will develop to enhance your ability to get acquainted with your clients along the three factors of cultural identity, stage of development, and adjustment to disability. Register for this webcast
Survey: “Workplace Features that Aid Function" - The WorkRERC has a survey underway that examines the relationships between functional ability, job requirements, and workplace accommodation use. Workplace accommodations are technology, physical changes to the workplace, or policy changes that employees use to help them be more effective in their jobs. Please visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/200473/workplace-features-that-aid-function for more information and the survey.
VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (#H133B040011)
1314 West Main Street | P.O. Box 842011 | Richmond, Virginia 23284-2011
Phone: (804) 828-1851 | TTY: (804) 828-2494 | Fax: (804) 828-2193
The contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant # H133B040011. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.