MSD Network News Flash - Autism and Employment Learning Community
What is Autism? - An Overview August 2011 |
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Introduction | |
Welcome to the first electronic Southeast TACE Serving Individuals with Most Significant Disabilities Network News Flash (MSD Network News Flash) specifically written for Autism and Employment Learning Community members. Here you will find the latest information about employment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including job development innovations, relevant legislation, upcoming training sessions, and exciting new web sites.
Please forward this MSD Network New Flash to agency staff, parents, individuals with disabilities, and anyone else you think might find the information useful. Invite them to subscribe by joining the Southeast TACE Employment Listserv. To join the listserv, they simply visit the Southeast TACE MSD Network web site and follow the MSD E-Mail-List link. We'll take it from there!
Please visit the TACE MSD Network web site regularly to learn about current events in the world of employment for individuals with the most significant impact of disability. |
| Portals | |
Are You Accessing the Portals?
To use the Portals, visit the TACE MSD Network web site. In the "Portal For" section on the left-hand side of your screen, select "Counselor" or "Coordinator." This will take you to the "Login to MyTACE Account." You will use your MyTACE Account to register for available events, seek applicable credit, and access your specialized portal (Counselor or Coordinator).
Attended a TACE Webinar? You may already have created a MyTACE Account. If you have a MyTACE Account and want to access the Portal, email tacesoutheast@law.syr.edu and request to join the TACE Most Significant Disabilities Network. If you don't already have a MyTACE account, follow the instructions to "Create a New MyTACE Account" and also apply for Portal access. |
| Announcements | |
You are invited to complete the Autism NOW National Resource and Information Center Core Values Survey. The purpose of this survey is to find out what people think about values and ethics as they relate to autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The survey is part of a process to create a Core Values Statement for the Autism NOW Center.
In January, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) released the 2011 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research The updated Strategic Plan contains 16 new research objectives covering a variety of issues, including supports and outcomes for adults with autism.
Developing and Evaluating Educational Programs for Students with Autism by Caroline Magyar, Ph.D., associate professor of Pediatrics at URMC's Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, guides educators in creating, evaluating and modifying programs to fit the needs of their students and the skills of their staff. Dr. Magyar believes the best programs for children with autism are those that are always evolving to meet their needs.
The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit was created to serve as a guide to assist families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood. It may be downloaded for free.
The PBS Newshour Autism Now broadcast series is available for online viewing.
Learning Each Other's Language [PDF], an article in the Autism Advocate, authored by the National Autism Center, offers strategies to bridge the communication gap between individuals who are on the autism spectrum and those who are not.
As autism has exploded into the public consciousness over the last 20 years, two opposing questions have been asked about the condition: is it a devastating sickness to be cured? Or is it a variation of the human brain - just a different way to be human? In Loving Lampposts, filmmaker Todd Drezner visits the front lines of the autism wars and introduces viewers to the "recovery movement," which views autism as a tragic epidemic brought on by environmental toxins, and the "neurodiversity" movement, which argues that autism should be accepted and autistic people supported. |
| Assistive Technology | | App Accessibility: Are We at a Tipping Point? is a March 2011 posting to the Official FCC Blog by Pam Gregory, Director, Accessibility and Innovation Initiative. Director Gregory lists a number of new educational apps that may help persons with disabilities, including: Wallet Advanced to safely manage website logins, credit card info and other private information; Pill Time to remind individuals to take their medications (it also breaks up their medications by medication type, ailment concerned, dosage, frequency and the specific time of day); PhotoDiary to track the day with photographs, and add captions and date and time-stamps to the photos; and Ring Finger, a speed dialing program that can be programmed for time and automated calling (for example, it could automatically connect a client with his/her job coach at 1:30 each day). |
| Case Studies | | Cary Griffin of Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC recently shared these video links from the Iowa Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG): Self-Employed Iowans with disabilities [YouTube Video] and Wage Earners with disabilities in Iowa [YouTube Video]. |
| Counselor Tips - Highlights from First Two Autism and Employment Webinars | |
Autism 101 - What is Autism? (7/6/11)
Presenter: Nila Benito from the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? It is a developmental disorder that is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in:
- communication skills
- social interactions
- behavior (restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns)
Myth: Autism is an emotional or mental health disorder.
Reality: Autism is a neurobiological illness that affects the brain's growth and development.
Myth: Most individuals with autism have hidden or exceptional talents.
Reality: The estimated prevalence of savant abilities in autism is 10% whereas the prevalence in people without autism is less than 1%.
Myth: Individuals with autism do not develop friendships with peers or relationships to people, including family members.
Reality: People with autism have a difficult time expressing their feelings and emotions in ways others may understand, but they do develop meaningful relationships and deep connections with others.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Communication and Supports (7/27/11)
Presenter: Nila Benito from the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities
Individuals with ASD have limited opportunities for career development and work experience matched to their interests during their high school years. Individuals with ASD are among those within the disability community that are least likely to be employed...only 15 percent of persons with autism are employed. Successful employment depends on a thorough understanding of the person's unique characteristics, skills, learning style, strengths and interests.
Most individuals with ASD are visual learners. They understand what they see better than what they hear.
Common Visual Supports:
· Social Stories
· Calendars
· Schedules
· Task Analysis
· Choice Boards
· Videos
In August 2010, researchers from Albert Einstein Medical Center found that the senses atypically integrate in individuals with autism. There is a pronounced delay in the processing of sensory stimuli to the brain's cortex which plays a key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, & language. Many behaviors commonly thought of as "autism characteristics" including toe walking, hand-flapping, humming, pacing, spinning, and rocking are attempts to integrate their senses. Those with "picky" eating habits are often avoiding unpleasant textures.
Sensory Supports:
- Soft cotton clothing
- Ear plugs, iPods
- Squeeze balls
- Gum, lollipops
- Rocking chair, bounce chair, massage chair, pillows, blankets
- Dancing, swimming, swinging, weightlifting
Traditional formal vocational assessment, job placement and job development strategies do not work for the majority of individuals with autism. Customized employment and the Discovery vocational profile process do work!
Considerations for the First Interview:
· Find out in advance how the individual communicates, what has worked in similar situations, and if there is anything the person reacts negatively to.
· Find out about any sensory or environmental sensitivities.
· Provide an outline, photos, and/or video in advance about what to expect.
· Allow plenty of time for the appointment.
Tips for Communicating with an Individual with ASD:
· Talk in direct, short phrases.
· Allow for delayed responses to questions or directions.
· Avoid literal expressions and random comments.
· Talk calmly and/or repeat.
· Model calming body language, slow breathing, hands low.
· Do not expect eye contact.
· Do look directly at the person when speaking to them.
· Realize that humor is not always understood.
· Watch for signs the person may need a break.
· Be patient if the person repeats phrases.
Avoid:
· Rapid pointing or waving.
· Talking loudly.
· Having your cell phone on.
· Wearing strong cologne.
· Touching person, especially near shoulders or face.
· Standing too near or behind.
· Stopping repetitive behaviors.
Possible Accommodations:
· Writing down workplace rules.
· Daily or weekly meetings.
· Identify one person to give directions/instruction.
· Allow time for responding.
· Alternative and augmentative devices.
· Re-arranging the work area, clearing up clutter, dividers.
· Moving work area to quiet location.
· Allowing sunglasses.
· Head phones, ear plugs.
· Allowing short breaks.
· Visual prompts.
· Daily schedules.
· Calendars, appointment books.
· Task Analysis.
· Photos, drawings, videos, icons.
· iPod touch.
· Advance notice for routine changes.
· Timers, watches. |
| Customized Employment/Supported Employment/Self-Employment | |
Adult Autism & Employment - A Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals [PDF]
from the Disability Policy and Studies office at the University of Missouri discusses the aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders that can affect a person's job performance and how accommodations on the job and in the work environment can help.
SEDL's Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Project profiles two effective programs this month: POW&R (Newark, Delaware) and Job Path (New York, NY).
The Institute for Community Inclusion in Boston released the new Research to Practice Brief Vocational Rehabilitation Services Received by Youth with Autism: Are they Associated with an Employment Outcome? This Research to Practice Brief explores the differences in VR services received by youth with autism compared to youth with other disabilities. Researchers identify services that are most closely associated with an employment outcome for youth with autism, and determine what percentage of people from this group are receiving these successful services. As increasing numbers of youth with autism are accessing VR services, it is important to understand how they are using these services and the relationship of these services to outcomes and costs.
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Autism Spectrum Disorders project is compiling an online VR Counselor Directory of specialty counselors or lead counselors dealing with individuals with ASD who are interested in seeking vocational rehabilitation service supports. The directory is intended to help consumers and families initiate contacts with the VR system. |
| Legislation/National News | | The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that the Hillsboro, Oregon School District will allow a student to bring his trained autism service dog into his classroom. The highly trained service dog provides critical assistance to the student by recognizing when he is about to engage in behavior that might endanger him. |
| Social Security | | Career Connection Series: Ready to Choose Work? You May Already Have a Ticket is a blog entry by Dan O'Brien, Acting Associate Commissioner, Office of Employment Support Programs, Social Security Administration, that describes the Ticket to Work program in layperson's terms. |
| TACE Training - Upcoming Events | |
Distinguishing Employment Relationships: Competitive and Customized Employment
August 11, 2011
2:00- 4:00 PM ET
This webinar will provide clarity on the distinctions and connections among three unique employment relationships: Competitive, Supported, and Customized.
Community Employment for Everyone
August 24, 2011
12:00-2:00 PM ET
This session will share stories about young adults with various disabilities working in their communities. Information will also be shared about the impact of a paycheck on SSI and SSDI, state and individual Medicaid thresholds for earnings and Social Security Work Incentives that encourage people to try out work without fear of losing their benefits. This session targets families.
Real Lives, Real Stories
September 7, 2011
12:00-1:00 PM ET
This webinar will give VR personnel specific, real cases of 3-6 transition-age individuals with autism who have achieved competitive employment or are in the process of seeking and achieving competitive, customized employment.
From The Field
October 12, 2011
12:00-1:00 PM ET
VR Counselors will share information and specific details about the effective approaches and supports they utilize for clients with autism.
Community Partnerships, Organization, & Employers
November 16, 2011
12:00-1:00 PM ET
A variety of community partners, organizations, and employers will share their experiences collaborating on the employment outcomes of individuals with autism and the possibilities for employment.
Autism & Employment Learning Community Series
Target Audience: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Area Directors
Started in May 2011
Information, tools, and tips to communicate, interact, and support individuals with autism to reach integrated, competitive employment goals.
Job Development Exchange
Target Audience: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Community Rehabilitation Providers
Started in July 2011
The Exchange will focus on what a counselor needs to know, whether they are buying job development services or doing it themselves. The Exchange launched with an Online Toolkit for Job Placement and Employment Professionals and a series of webinars, to be followed by an evolving menu of timely resources, tools and interactive learning opportunities.
Be sure to check your state's TACE web page to learn about state and local training events.
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Other Training Opportunities | |
Effective Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Part 3 Featuring TEACCH
August 8, 2011
3:00-4:00 PM ET
Cost: None
TEACCH Supported Employment Program was created in 1989 to support adults with ASD in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In 2009, all 31 of the consumers of the program were placed in jobs with wages ranging from $7.15- $18.00 per hour. Each individual receives an average of 200 hours of job coach support including assessment, job preparation, work adjustment training, on-site training, and follow-up services.
13th Annual Autism Summer Institute
August 8-10, 2011
Nashua, New Hampshire
Registration Fees: Professional: $399; Students/Parents/Self-Advocates: $349
The ASI represents a unique opportunity for family members to sit side by side with other members of their children's education teams as they develop a new vision for their student's education, hear from internationally recognized self-advocates who have autism, and learn about the latest evidence-based practices.
Understanding the Role of Vocational Themes in Discovery and Creative Job Development
August 16, 2011
1:00-2:00 PM ET
Cost: $50 APSE Members/ $100 Non-Members
This webinar will explore the critical activities of the Discovering Personal Genius (DPG) strategy and how discerning the Vocational Themes moves us beyond stereotypical jobs into jobs and businesses where new skills are learned and solid employment lives are possible.
Ticket to Work: Free Support Services for Young Adults in Transition
August 24, 2011
3:00 PM ET
This national WISE webinar will present information about Social Security Ticket to Work & Work Incentives.
Disability and Stigma: Are you Creating it or Dispelling it?
September 8, 2011
1:00-2:00 PM ET
Cost: $50 APSE Members/ $100 Non-Members
In this session participants will learn how to recognize stigma in marketing (including a set of humorous logos gone awry); strike a balance between the message of social justice and community inclusion; and formulate respectful images of job seekers without pity or myth.
On-line Employment Applications and Website Accessibility Webinar
September 15, 2011
1:30-3:00 PM ET
Cost: None
Discovery & Job Development for Individuals with Autism
October 4-5, 2011
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Tuition: $245
Everyone can work, and this training, in collaboration with Blue Sky Planning, using examples from across the country, reveals best practice in Customized Employment meeting the unique and often complex circumstances of individuals with significant disabilities. This training also partially fulfills Certification in Community Employment from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE). RSVP to blueskyplanning@gmail.com; for questions about training content, contact Cary at cgriffin@griffinhammis.com
Partnering to Increase Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
October 6, 2011
2:00-3:00 PM ET
Cost: $50 APSE Members/$100 Non-Members
This webinar will provide an overview of the array of national, regional and state initiatives underway to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Autism National Committee Annual Conference: Autism Without Limits
October 21 & 22, 2011, Burbank, CA
Join the Autism National Committee's annual conference and experience a shared vision through positive approaches.
The Autism Internet Modules were developed to make comprehensive, up-to-date, and usable information on autism accessible and applicable to educators, other professionals, and families who support individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Written by experts from across the U.S., all online modules are free.
Yale Seminar on Autism and Related Disorders - this web site offers all of the lecture content and supporting materials for the Yale Seminar on Autism and Related Disorders undergraduate course.
Cost: None
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| Web Sites | |
Autism NOW National Autism Resource and Information Center, a national initiative of The Arc, offers resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence website provides information on training activities, fact sheets, and summaries of journal articles on topics related to ASD.
JobTIPS is a free program designed to help individuals with disabilities such as autism explore career interests, seek and obtain employment, and successfully maintain employment.
The Wrightslaw Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome page offers articles, legal resources, recommended books, free publications, and other information and resources.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network web site explains: "Drawing on the principles of the cross-disability community, ASAN seeks to organize the community of Autistic adults and youth to have our voices heard in the national conversation about us. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights, and opportunities as all other citizens."
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About the Southeast TACE Most Significant Disabilities Network News Flash:
This free service is being sponsored by Southeast TACE, the Technical Assistance & Continuing Education (TACE) Center for Region IV. TACE is a partnership of academic, governmental, and community expertise that provides technical assistance and continuing education activities to meet the training and organizational development needs of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and their partners in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Southeast TACE supports VR, Community Rehabilitation Programs, Centers for Independent Living, Client Assistance Programs, and other agencies to enhance employment outcomes, independent functioning, independent living and quality of life for persons with disabilities throughout the eight states in the Southeast Region IV.
Meet the Southeast TACE staff (click on the person's name to learn more about him or her):
Chip Kenney, Project Director & Principal Investigator
Jill Houghton, Deputy Director
Steffany Stevens, Training Coordinator & Administrative Specialist
If you have any questions about TACE or would like to request technical assistance, please contact Jill Houghton at jilldh@bellsouth.net. For questions about the Southeast TACE Employment Listserv or the monthly Southeast TACE MSD Network News Flash, please contact Kim Brown at brown@ruralinstitute.umt.edu. |
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