Fostering employability and belonging
Gainful employment is a key social determinant of health for all people. It enhances the quality of life, psychological well-being, and contributes to healthier aging for vulnerable populations.
Across the United States, individuals with disabilities, particularly those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), face a disproportionately high level of unemployment and underemployment. While 60 to 70 percent of individuals with ASD report a desire to find gainful employment, only 35 percent are able to maintain steady employment with supports.
Potential employers often exhibit a lack of knowledge about the possibility of employing such individuals or uncertainty related to the level and/or type of supports that could be used to successfully scaffold the employment. Likewise, employers are often unaware of the specific knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes (KSAAs) acquired by these individuals and may have low expectations. In turn, individuals with autism are not taught specific skills that foster employability or socialization within a traditional school curriculum. With limitations in curriculum and exposure, individuals with autism, just like their neurotypical peers, experience decreased quality of life while their perception of discrimination increases when their skills are underutilized.
Hands in Autism® has worked with Indiana’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services over the years to conduct gap analyses and needs assessments, serve on the state’s Transition Advisory Council, and run regional trainings. We developed and now run three-day transition and vocational programming workshops through the HANDSmade program, and continue on as a vocational rehabilitation and pre-employment transition services provider.