Autism: Building Links to Employment (ABLE)

Presenters: Lydia Lynas, Orchardville Society Rachel Doran, NOW

The Idea

• • • • • Lack of specific ASD Services in Belfast Increase in prevalence rates in NI Increase in referrals from Special & Mainstream schools Review current methods of working Test the Model of Supported Employment for value base and process i.e.

Engage- Place-Train-Maintain-Progress .

Project ABLE

• Employment based service for young people and adults with ASD that want to get into work.

• May 2009 – April 2014 • Financed through Big Lottery Fund.

• Belfast Wide Partnership between Orchardville Society & NOW.

Profile of Participants:

• • • • Special Education 16 – 19 years Mainstream education 16 – 18 years Adults 18+ Across the Autistic Spectrum

The Delivery

• • • • • • Customised Employability Programme including: Employment Profiling/ job matching Training Programmes – Voluntary work placements Employment opportunities On the job training and support Peer support through User Forum

Employment Success

• • • • Attention to detail Accuracy Excellent memory for facts and details Special talents, interests, enjoy routine.

• • •

Employment opportunities within:

ICT - data inputting, software design, gaming Administrative roles - accounting, monitoring info, records.

Retail – special interest areas (music, exotic animals, art)

In their Own Words David Andrew Chris Callum

Results Year 4

Project Target Special Education Referrals Mainstream Education Adults 18+ No. Work Placements No. of Jobs No. of Employers People Impacted 25 10 25 60 15 50 140 Current (Year 4) 27 15 30 94 14 80 200+

• • • • • • •

The Results & Learning

Supported Employment model applicable to client group Partnership Approach .

Customisation of resources, ask the right questions.

Trained Staff in both Supported employment and ASD knowledge.

Flexible employment options Autism Awareness training with co employers essential.

SRoI Evaluation, £1 = £4 return.

Contact Details

[email protected]

Tel: 028 90 732326 [email protected]

Tel 90 436400 THANK YOU

• • • •

Referrals From:

Special and mainstream education.

Health & Social Services Department of Employment & Learning Self / Family