Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment.
At Els for Autism®, our Employment Programs help individuals explore career interests, build job skills, prepare for the workplace, and pursue meaningful employment. Support also continues after someone is hired as they learn their new role and become more independent on the job.
So far in 2026, Els for Autism has helped 25 individuals secure jobs in the community. Each person brings their own strengths, interests, and goals to the workplace.
Meet Maggie
Maggie has worked as a Server Assistant at North Palm Beach Country Club since January 2026. Her responsibilities include folding napkins, preparing silverware rolls, cleaning, and organizing stock. She is also training to become a hostess.
One skill Maggie is especially proud of is learning new ways to fold restaurant napkins.
“It was very hard for me, but I finally learned to do it,” Maggie shared.
As Maggie has gained experience, she has also become increasingly independent in her role.
“I feel like I can get the job done and be successful,” she said. “I have good coworkers that support me and good bosses.”
Her supervisor, Rachel, has seen that growth firsthand.
“As time has gone on, Maggie is able to go from one task to the next with minimal instruction,” Rachel shared. “Maggie is always looking for more tasks and different responsibilities and adopts those tasks by giving it her all.”
Preparing for Employment
The path to employment looks different for each person.
For participants referred through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), our team starts by reviewing the individual’s employment goal. Staff work directly with the participant to explore career options, identify positions that align with their goals, and build the skills necessary for successful employment. Throughout the employment process, our team provides individualized support to help participants secure competitive employment. This includes assisting with job searches, completing applications, developing resumes, and following up with employers regarding opportunities. Job Coaches also help participants prepare for interviews through practice sessions, coaching, and guidance on professional communication and workplace expectations. Once a job offer is received, staff continue to support the participant through the onboarding process, helping them complete required paperwork, understand employer expectations, and prepare for a successful start. Our goal is to provide consistent support from initial job exploration through employment placement and transition into the workplace. Hands-on activities in our vocational labs provide another opportunity to observe skills and workplace behaviors while exploring career paths that could be a good fit.
Support Beyond the Hire
Getting hired can be the beginning of another important stage in the employment journey.
For many participants referred through VR, job coaching continues for approximately three to six months after they secure employment, depending on the referral type. A job coach works with both the employee and employer during the transition into the workplace.
This support is individualized. A job coach may help an employee learn job responsibilities, understand workplace expectations, strengthen communication, or use accommodations and strategies that support success on the job. As the employee gains confidence and independence, coaching is gradually reduced.
At North Palm Beach Country Club, Rachel has seen the value of that support.
“We are very appreciative of the support that the job coaches have provided,” she said.
Inclusion Includes Employers
Businesses are an important part of creating more inclusive employment opportunities. Today, 36 employers have employees who are currently receiving employment services from Els for Autism or who previously completed our services.
U Can Employ™, powered by Els for Autism, helps businesses become more autism inclusive for their current staff, future employees, and customers. Depending on the needs of the organization, services can include staff training, one-on-one consultation, environmental assessments, document reviews, and workshops.
This work also helps challenge misconceptions about employment and autism. Autistic adults are not limited to one type of job or only entry-level positions. Each person has their own abilities, interests, and career goals.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and encourage more businesses to consider what an inclusive workplace can look like.
For Maggie, employment has meant learning new skills, taking on greater responsibility, and becoming more independent in a workplace where she feels supported. With individualized employment services and employers committed to inclusion, more individuals can have the opportunity to pursue work a job that fits their interests and goals
You can learn more on our website about the Employment Services available at Els for Autism, including programs that help individuals prepare for, find, and maintain employment, as well as U Can Employ and the resources available to businesses looking to create more autism-inclusive workplaces.
