Online Courses Starting in October

Foundations of ASD: National Autism Online Training Series October 3 - 31, 2011

Autism Spectrum Disorders are considered to be a lifelong neurological developmental disability which share many characteristics. With the number of individuals diagnosed with autism on the rise, there is a strong probability everyone will encounter someone with ASD either at work or daily life. This course will provide participants with an understanding of the primary characteristics of ASD, which include impairments in communication and social development and the presence of repetitive patterns of behavior. Secondary characteristics, including sensory processing differences and motor deficits will also be explored. The course will discuss the impact ASD has on the person as well as the family unit. The course will also provide an overview of learning styles, the history, cause, and early signs of ASD. Cost: $125 per individual | $500 for 5 individuals  Register Online

VCU-ACE is funded by the VA DOE (Grant # 881-61172-H027A100107). For additional information, contact autismcenter@vcu.edu or (855) 711-6987. If you live in Virginia, please contact VCU-ACE for a schedule of courses offered at no cost through funding from the VA DOE.

Customized Employment Online Course (Oct 17 - Nov 14)

Customized employment is a process for individualizing the employment relationship between a job seeker and an employer in ways that meet the needs of both individuals. This course examines how to make this happen. Topics include: overview of customized employment, ways to get to know the job seeker, strategies to find jobs, and blending supports and funds. Earn 1.6 CEUs, 16 CRCs and a Certificate of Course Completion from VCU. Cost $85 per person. Register Online

Ethical Issues and Decision Making for Rehabilitation Professionals Online Course (Oct 17 - Nov 28)

EARN 10 CRCs in ETHICS* - This 6 week online course explores the professional ethics that guide rehab professionals as they work with customers, individuals with disabilities and employers. The course uses the newly revised Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors developed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) as the guiding source of the ethical framework for the profession. Tuition $125, plus $39.99 textbook. Register Online

Into Adulthood: Transition to Work for Individuals with Autism Online Course (Oct 24 - Dec 5)

More than ever, individuals with autism spectrum disorders are participating in the mainstream of school, work, and the community. Careful transition planning from secondary education is critical for young people with autism spectrum disorders to be successful; however, there is limited information on this topic. 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. Tuition: $275, Textbook: $23.07, Total: $298.07 Register Online

Job Development Online Course (Oct 31 - Nov 28)

Job development is the "process of locating and creating work opportunities for individuals with disabilities". This is achieved by earning an opportunity to engage an employer and from there hopefully moving on to earning a commitment to meet, interview, and hire a specific job seeker. This course covers specific principles associated with job development via online lectures and readings and then requires the learner to take action on his or her behalf to further develop a particular skill. Participants also reflect upon what he or she learned from both the online content and field based experiential activity by sharing personal insights with other course members.Tuition $125. Register Online

Supported Employment for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (Nov 7 - Dec 5)

Early demonstration projects back in the late 1980's and 90's paved the way for using a supported employment approach for someone who has sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the principles and values associated with the individual approach to supported employment remain consistent, there are some different considerations an employment specialist should take into account when serving a person with a TBI. This course will offer participants an overview of TBI and the supported employment literature suggestions on specific strategies to use to get to know the job seeker, look at possible workplace supports with an emphasis on compensatory memory strategies and some insight into ways to provide pro-active job retention services. Tuition $125. Register Online