VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD 1 Effective Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Part Three Featuring TEACCH August 8, PM CDT Funded by NIDRR, US Department of Education, PR# Funded by NIDRR, US Department of Education, PR# H133A © 2011 by SEDL A Webcast Sponsored by SEDL

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD TEACCH’s Mission Following the guidelines of the general philosophy of the TEACCH program, the mission of the Supported Employment program is to provide a stable and predictable work environment whereby the person with Autism can, as independently as possible, be a contributing member of the work force. 2

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD History of TEACCH What is TEACCH? Eric Schopler’s research in the 60’s Founding of the TEACCH Program in 70s Supported Employment in the 80s Where are we now? 3

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Program Highlights Demonstration or Model Program TEACCH Core Values and Mission Understanding the Culture of Autism Strategies that Maximize Independence Assessment using the TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile 4

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Program Effectiveness Started formally in 1989 Individuals Placed in Employment400+ Number of Total Jobs Placements500+ Salary (with or w/out benefits) $7.15-$ Average Number of Hours Worked

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD 12 months on job 85% regardless of reason 94% if factor out uncontrollable (Client Moving out of area, Different job, site closing down) 6 Months on job 89% regardless of reason 96% if factor out uncontrollable (Client Moving out of area, Different job, site closing down) Success Rate*

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Types of Jobs Manufacturing Office Food Service Janitorial Grocery Laboratory Stocking / Warehouse Other

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Assessment Vocational Skills Clerical Library Domestic Landscaping/Gardening Food Service Warehouse/Stocking Mobility Communication Interpersonal Skills Vocational Behaviors Independent Functioning Teaching Strategies

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Making the Right Job Match Assessment of the Person Assessment of the Work Site

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Teaching Skills on the Job Why? –Problems with Generalization –Contextual based cues facilitate learning Longer to learn new skills. Other contextual specific skill areas –Communication –Social The need to teach to their strengths and learning style

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Interventions and Strategies Physical Structure / Environmental Accommodations Schedules Visual Instructions and Checklists Rules and Reminders Social Interactions Relaxation Strategies

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT MODELS Individual or Standard Placement Shared Support or Dispersed Enclave Mobile Crew One to One Entrepreneurial

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Strategies for Long Term Support Teach vocational and social skills using structured teaching approaches. Develop and modify visual systems as dictated by employer or client. Educate co-workers and supervisors about autism. Act as a liaison between employer/supervisor and employee. Discuss job performance issues. Provide on-site support: we might insure quality and productivity. Develop and implement relaxation and coping strategies. Develop social opportunities through individual outings and the coordination of a biweekly social group. Provide individual counseling on an as needed basis.

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Important Factors in Successful Vocational Placement and Training Trained staff Assessment focused on what adult can do and with “what?” support Incorporate client’s interests and strengths Communication –Educate co-workers and supervisors about autism –Act as a liaison between employer/supervisor and employee –Communicate with client’s residential support Provide on-going long-term support individualized to the client’s needs 14

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Challenges Funding –Lack of funding –Ever changing definitions and criteria Current Economic Climate Jobs for individuals with ASD at the extreme ends of the spectrum. What to do when other necessary supports do not exist in the person’s life? 15

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Success Stories Eddie –Considered unemployable –Sheltered workshops would not accept him Donnie –On his way to divorce, estranged from children –Criminal system involved –Anger and very low self esteem 16

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Future Goals To continue to expand our services To develop opportunities for those who do not fit in traditional employment models currently Continue to help other agencies start employment programs for individuals with ASD Help schools better prepare students with ASD for the real world. Expand our research efforts on employment and ASD Provide a fuller spectrum of services, that relate to employment. 17

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Questions and Answers 18

VR Service Models for Individuals with ASD Contact Information S. Michael Chapman Director of Supported Employment Division TEACCH CB# 7180 UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC