Employment Programs

Employers often find individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities to be exceptionally dedicated, excelling in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and following workplace policies. Furthermore, companies that actively employ individuals with disabilities report impressive statistics, including an 89% higher retention rate, a 72% increase in employee productivity, and a 29% increase in profitability.*

The Els for Autism Employment Program Team helps adults secure employment within the community while helping employers fill needed positions.  

• Work Experience (WE) Program  

• Career Exploration & Training (CET) 

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Vendor Services 
  
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Vocational Training & Employment Services   

*Data source: Inclusively & Autism Society

Work Experience Program

The Els for Autism Work Experience Program is for adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities ages 18+ who have completed high school. The program is designed for those interested in career exploration or who have a goal of paid employment. During the program, participants will engage in hands-on learning and develop skills relating to employment.

Els for Autism offers a 10-week Work Experience Training Program to prepare adults seeking employment in the warehouse, restaurant, hospitality, or healthcare industries. This training program allows participants to learn industry-specific work skills. After completing the program, the graduates are ready to start their careers and add value to businesses. WE partner sites include: Jupiter Medical Center, PGA National Resort, The Club at Ibis, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa, Hilton Garden Inn – Palm Beach Gardens, Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els, and the City of Greenacres.

Els For Autism will maintain a ratio of 1 staff for every 4 participants throughout the program. The Els for Autism staff will remain on the work site property, but will not be working continuously in an individual’s department or immediate area.  

Work Experience Program Partners

Career Exploration & Training (CET) 

Career Exploration & Training (CET) at Els for Autism offers introductory vocational training courses in Basic Carpentry, Hotel and Hospitality, Office and Clerical Essentials, Retail, and Food Service to help autistic adults develop job skills and career goals, enhancing their opportunities to become valued and contributing community members. (See Flyer)

CET aims to address the critical need for accessible and tailored vocational training for autistic adults, especially those from low-income and underserved communities who may not have access to or qualify for state funding, by using:  

• An evidence-based approach: Our courses are rooted in evidence-based practices for ASD, ensuring effective and engaging learning experiences.  
• Visually engineered vocational labs: Our state-of-the-art labs provide a safe and realistic environment for participants to develop skills transferable to the workplace.  
• A transdisciplinary team: Our professionals, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and behavior analysts, provide comprehensive support to participants throughout their training journey and programmatic consultation support to staff.  
• Pre-post knowledge-based assessments and satisfaction surveys: Our team will use pre-post-course skill and knowledge-based assessments and a follow-up satisfaction survey to measure the efficacy and impact of the courses. 

Become an Employment Partner

Employers often find that individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities are exceptionally dedicated, excelling in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and adherence to workplace policies. 

CET Supporter

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Vendor Services 

VR Employment Services

VR services are provided to clients who are VR customers. VR services focus on developing self-advocacy and employability skills, job development, providing job leads, supporting the interview process, and supporting job retention with job coaching offered before, during, and following placement in paid employment.

Pre-Placement Training

This 20-hour pre-placement training is essential for adults with ASD and related disabilities who are preparing to enter the workforce. The training emphasizes vital pre-employment skills, both hard and soft, and equips participants with the knowledge of workplace professional and social expectations. The training builds participants’ confidence, supports their independence, and enhances their prospects for successful employment.

The training incorporates evidence-based practices to teach essential job skills tailored to the participant’s individual needs. Participants benefit from ample skill repetition and individualized learning to master topics and skills such as: Identifying work preferences, job application and interview techniques, requesting accommodations, transportation, financial literacy, and self-determination.

VR Career Camp (14-21 years of age-Transition Age Youth) 

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Career Camp is a specialized program designed to offer pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities in a 1:10 ratio.

Program Overview

• Work Readiness (20 hours): Develop essential skills and behaviors needed for successful employment across various positions.
• Job Exploration (20 hours): Build a comprehensive career portfolio, including a resume, cover letter, and references. Sharpen interview skills and participate in field trips to explore different industries.
• Self-Advocacy (10 hours): Learn to effectively advocate for yourself in work, school, and life by understanding and expressing your interests, needs, and goals.

Eligibility

• Must be independent in restroom use, with no history of self-injurious behavior, aggression, elopement, or property destruction within a year.
• Participants must have an active referral with VR and be eligible for Transition Student Programs.
• Participants need to be between 14 and 21 years of age, and currently enrolled in school with an IEP or 504 Plan.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Vocational Training &  Employment Services   

APD Life Skills Development Level 2 – Supported Employment 

Els for Autism offers supported employment services to help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities develop the skills and experience needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Our team provides comprehensive support, including resume building, interview coaching, and job placement, to match participants with suitable career opportunities based on their unique strengths, interests, and goals.

APD Life Skills Development Level 4 – Prevocational Services

Els for Autism offers personalized learning and work experiences designed to equip individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities with the essential skills for successful, integrated employment. Our programs focus on developing abilities such as effective communication, professional demeanor, task completion, problem-solving, and workplace safety. By matching job placements to individual strengths and preferences, we empower participants to achieve their career goals in community settings.