1. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 1 SPECIALISTERNE Innovative Employment Opportunities for People with Autism

2. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 2 Developed in Denmark by Thorkil Sonne, an IT professional and a parent of individual with autism. Thorkil Sonne

3. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 3 Uses the unique skills and abilities of individuals with autism to meet business needs Software testing and other critical IT tasks. What we do

4. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 4 Offers business an alternative to “generalists.” Businesses are experiencing a growing need for specialists. People with autism are specialists by nature. Specialisterne = The Specialists

5. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 5 Passion for details High level of concentration Perseverance for repetitive actions Pattern recognition Ability to spot deviances in data, information and systems Attention to details Specialisterne consultants deliver their unique competencies to tasks where existing employees of companies are often less skilled and motivated. Unique Competencies of People with Autism

6. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 6 The mission of the Specialisterne model is: Train individuals with autism Offer them employment as part of a consulting service Showcase to business their skills and abilities and encourage employment of these skilled workers Meeting business needs Meeting Business Needs

7. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 7 Business Partners in Denmark Nokia—worlds largest mobile phone manufacturer SDC—Danish IT service provider to bank and electronic payment industry TDC—leading Danish nationwide telecommunication provider Specialisterne Denmark also provided work on the Joint Strike Fighter.

8. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 8 Specialisterne Services

9. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 9 Does your business have a need for such services? How much does your business currently pay for services? Are the services done in house or contracted out? If your business does not need such services, can you suggest another company that might? Business Feasibility in Maryland

10. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 10 Partnership between Maryland Department of Disabilities, Specialisterne and PDG Rehabilitation, Inc. PDG Rehab is a non-profit that provides a full continuum of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities Over 400 business starts and expansions owned by individuals with disabilities Over 200 central Maryland employers employ PDG participants. Maryland Replication

11. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 11 Businesses hire a person with autism trained by PDG Rehab – PDG supports person Short term (3 months if needed) Training/consultation with supervisor Employment Option #1

12. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 12 Business contracts with PDG for consultants/temporary workers/services who have completed training. PDG is the employer of record and Business pays PDG for costs of workers salaries, benefits and administrative costs. Employment Option #2

13. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 13 Businesses host interns from PDG for 1-4 weeks. Employment Option #3

14. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 14 “ There is No such thing as a Spare Marylander.” - Governor Martin O’Malley – 2007

15. © Specialisterne 2011. All rights reserved. 15 Morris Tranen, President/CEO, PDG Rehabilitation, Inc. 410.863.7473 x104 mtranen@pdgrehab.com Catherine Raggio, Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities craggio@mdod.state.md.us 410-767-3660 For more information