Transcript Community Partnerships, Organization, & Employers

Autism & Employment Webinar Series
“Community Partnerships,
Organization, & Employers”
November 16, 2011
Nila Benito
Brenda Clark
Guest Presenters:
Marci K. Delaney, Dianne Webber,
Evon Porteus, Lorraine Jones, Amir Lizarraga
Marci K. Delaney
Children’s Board of Hillsborough County
Family Resource Center Manager/Librarian
2
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Initial Perspective
 Before I began working with the person with

autism, we were not sure how jobseekers
with Autism would handle a job and how they
would function
We were trained so that we could assist the
jobseeker effectively.
3
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
First Impressions
 I was not sure if the person could handle a
job.
When asking the person a question they
would not respond right away and was a little
worried.
Her thought process is a little different than
mine.


4
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Perception Now
 I have found that people with Autism and
Asperger syndrome are more aware of what
is going on than you might think.
The person also can do a lot more than we
may think.

5
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Accommodations
There really are not any special
accommodations that are needed for the
person that has been working with us.
6
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communication
 The woman that we work with does not say
that much. She has very short answers if
you ask her question.
I would say that it definitely does not
diminish the intellect of the person. She is
very intelligent and expresses more in
writing than speaking.

7
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Planning
 The woman that we have been working with
enjoys assisting us with library projects. We
give her a task that relates to books and she
really enjoys the projects.
8
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Quality
Having this woman as an intern at our office
has impacted us by getting some things done a
lot sooner than later. It has also given staff
time to work on other projects.
9
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Keys to Success or
Recommendations
 If you have never met some one that has

10
Autism/Asperger do not think they are not
intelligent.
They are more wise than you think. They
have a heart that is even bigger than some.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Dianne Webber
Sign Parrot.com,
Owner
11
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Initial Perspective
As our first internship, we didn’t quite know what to
expect regarding task assignments for the
Jobseeker with autism.
Would we have to make special considerations?
Would the Jobseeker have any limitations?
Would they be able to interact with our other
employees?
Would four hours per week be enough time to
make an impact?
12
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
First Impressions
The interview was conducted by the president of
the company. He was very impressed with Justin.
Justin came in dressed in a suit and had a copy
of his resume.
They talked for awhile and it was recommended
that we give the internship a try.
The only concern was for Justin’s expectations,
would we be able to provide enough guidance and
interest.
13
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Perception Now
Gaining perspective of a person with Autism/Asperger
changed our entire team’s perception.
If we didn’t know he had Autism, we would have thought
he was just very shy.
Justin explained his difficulty with “jokes and sarcasm”
but, as time went on, he became more comfortable with our
staff and could sense when sarcasm was being used.
He even engaged in some bantering with the guys.
14
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communication
 I took charge of Justin’s assignments and we did

not want, or need, to make special
accommodations. There were tasks that were
unfavorable to him but I explained that was part
of the overall job and our expectations of team
work. He understood and complied.
Clear, concise and frequent communication is
the key.
15
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Planning
Justin provided input relating to his interests,
preferences, and abilities.
He did hold back a bit with regard to some of his
previous experience because it was a bit more of a
complex process and he did not want to “ruin” the
job.
The team offered advice and I gave him verbal
encouragement to help him “calm down” before
undertaking the task.
He did a great job!
16
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Quality
• I think it helped our team members be more
•
understanding of other’s short comings, not
just those with Autism/Asperger, but with all
team members. After all, we are all
individuals with our own strengths and
weaknesses.
Justin designed a logo for a customer and
she purchased it for her business. We were
impressed with the quality of his work.
17
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Keys to Success or
Recommendations
 Communicate and try to understand the things


that make a person with Autism/Asperger
apprehensive. I was able to alleviate his fears
and instill confidence in him before undertaking
a task.
Try not to treat them too special as that may
cause tension with your existing staff.
Clear, concise, encouraging, frequent
communication.
18
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Evon Porteus
Orient Road Child Development Center,
Director
19
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Initial Perspective
My first thoughts were my concerns of whether
she would be able to understand the job duties,
be able to do the work, and would be able to
interact with the children.
20
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
First Impressions
I kind of did not think she would be able to do the
job. I really did not think she could because of the
way she came in. She was not able to express
herself well and then after looking over her
application and the way she worded it, I wasn’t
quite sure.
For instance when it asked on the application
“what does she think would make a good daycare
center” she was unable to express herself. So I
had reservations however I was still willing to give
her the opportunity.
21
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Perception Now
The children loved her.
I think she did a very good job. She interacted
well with the children. She sang and had play
time together with the children. When outside
she pushed them in the swings. She helped
with the clean up and after snack time duties.
I believe she would do well in this type of
work.
22
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communication
When giving her instructions for work
duties, I had to tell her specifics.
If I wanted her to clean up after snack. I could
not just say clean up. I would have to
specifically tell her exactly what I wanted her to
do. Once she is told, she is able to do what is
expected and what she is being told to do. I
just had to be specific, no other
accommodations where required.
23
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Planning
She did not communicate much with the Director
about her interests or preferences.
She initiated such as spreading herself out to swing
each of the children. I did not have to tell her to push
the children in the swing. If there were three children
swinging she would swing each one a little to be able
to swing all of the children.
I thought that was unique because most time, staff
will swing one child at a time and not try to swing all of
the children who may be in the swings during the play
time. She knew what she liked and how to contribute
to help the children.
All the children really liked her a lot.
24
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Quality
She would sit on the floor to read to the children.
Let them act as beauticians and play with her.
They would do music and rhythm together.
She came to work at the time the children were ready
to get up from nap.
She would sanitize the mats and put them away, fold
the blankets, then supervise bathroom and hand
washing time, and prepare snacks.
I believe her quality of work is very good and she will
do well at any child care center.
25
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Quality (cont.)
 The co-workers also loved her even though she


did not talk much with them. At first they looked
at her as being a person with Autism. After a
couple of times coming, everyone worked with
her to make the job fun and successful. She
became one of the staff.
At first the parents also were apprehensive, but
after awhile she became one of the staff to the
parents as well.
After she left, they asked about her.
26
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Keys to Success or
Recommendations
• I think people need to be patient with anybody
•
•
entering into the workforce the first time.
Give the person the chance to prove to
themselves they are worthy of the job.
With any person that has a disability, as long as
they are capable of the job tasks, they should be
given the chance to show they can do the job
they choose whether daycare or any other type
of job.
27
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Lorraine Jones, M.A. CCC-SLP,
Ph.D.
Kid Pro Therapy Services, Inc.
President
28
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Initial Perspective
When I first began working with Chelsea to
develop content for tee shirts and greeting cards, I
did not think in terms of Chelsea being able to
establish a business. Thanks to a core group from
several agencies, a dream became a reality.
The business that was formed is also seen as a
way to open doors for others.
29
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
First Impressions
 Given the severity of Chelsea’s disabilities, it was
difficult, initially, to imagine that the ability to type
phrases and sentences could some how turn into a
business.
 The internet simplifies the process in that it is not
necessary to have a storefront.
30
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Perception Now
Chelsea is among the growing ranks of
individuals with severe disabilities who
communicate with the typed word.
There are individuals with intelligence,
creativity, humor, and triumphs who are no
longer trapped inside bodies that don’t work as
they should.
31
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Methods of Communication
Chelsea, and others like her with severe apraxia
of speech, must learn to rely on the expertise of
others to help identify the best device or method
for communication.
If a device is chosen, it must be portable and it
must be dynamic.
Too often it is assumed that nonverbal means not
intelligent and simple devices are recommended
that improve communication of basic wants and
needs and little more.
32
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communicating Intelligence
Chelsea, and those like her, passionately implore
others to see the intelligence not just the disability.
“Just because I can’t talk doesn’t mean I can’t
think” is their mantra.
Those who interact with Chelsea, and other
differentlyabled people must communicate using
words that convey recognition of their
intelligence…
Talk to them, not about them.
33
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Planning
A critical component of the support plan for
Chelsea has been the continuous training of
individuals who come into contact with her.
One could be told about Chelsea’s likes and
dislikes.
However, it is the discovery that builds a
relationship with Chelsea. It is time consuming,
but her creativity and her sense of humor are
worth the wait.
34
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assume intelligence
Communicate in ways that are respectful.
Talk to the person, not about them.
Think very creatively in terms of communication
devices—the technology of today allows us to do that.
5. Take the time to learn to communicate effectively with
differentlyabled individuals. You will reap incredible
rewards as you discover some amazing people.
35
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Amir Lizarraga
Liz Resources
Owner/Manager
36
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Initial Perspective
It is hard to discern my thoughts and feelings about job
seekers with autism from before working with them and
after. Before working with persons with disabilities in the
field of supported employment and micro enterprise, I
managed a temp agency. I come from the background not
of working with people with disabilities, but of putting
people to work by matching employers need for specifically
skilled laborers to laborers with a need to earn a living. I
think I still work from that perspective. I look at each
employer and job seeker individually and try to make a
good match to satisfy the needs of everyone involved.
37
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
First Impressions
 When I began working with one of my first consumers
with ASD, I did not even know what his disability was. I
was greatly impressed with his attention to detail and
visual acuity. I thought that this has got to be a great
attribute needed by some employer somewhere.
 The more time I spent with him the more I learned about
the importance of routine in his life and how his having
an interest in something can mean the difference
between all or nothing in terms of functioning and
motivation.
38
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Perception Now
 Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with
several job seekers diagnosed with ASD and while they
may share the same diagnosis label, the job seeker is
still an individual with different needs, wants, strengths,
and weaknesses.
 As part of ASD it seems there is to preference for
routines in their daily lives but some are more flexible
than others and this can be either an advantage or
disadvantage.
39
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communication
 The person’s with ASD with whom I’ve worked are on
varying levels of communication, from not using verbal
language to very articulate.
 One tool I have found to be particularly useful is the
picture schedule and/or communication table.

40
Even with individuals who use verbal language it can
be easier to point to a picture than to process all the
steps it takes to form speech and can help alleviate
anxiety.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Communication (cont.)
 It is in my experience that there is NOT a direct
relationship between using verbal communication and
intelligence.
 People diagnosed with ASD often have a lot of
meaningful things to say but are not able to conduct the
motor planning and processing required to produce
speech.
 If other avenues for communication are given to them,
people diagnosed with ASD often have a lot to say. It
may be on a limited array of topics, however, but that is
another issue.
41
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Planning

Persons with autism are able to provide input relating to their
interests, preferences, and abilities through many means.

The obvious and direct means, of course, would be verbal
communication, but even those with the ability do not always do so.

It is important to watch for other indicators as well such as: body
language, change in behavior, and the persons engagement or
focus.

Persons with autism or any disability can be valued and respected
members of a work team.

Everyone has a job to do to make the process move forward and
accomplish the common goal.
42
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Quality
 It has been my experience in working with individuals
diagnosed with ASD that they can have a very positive
impact on the production and quality of work.
 Employees diagnosed with ASD tend to be very detail
oriented creating a higher quality product.
 Employees diagnosed ASD also tend to like routines
and are thus very dependable with low rates of
absenteeism.
43
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Keys to Success or
Recommendations
Some suggestions I might make to a person who
is apprehensive about working with a job seeker
or employee diagnosed with ASD are:
• Be patient
• Be flexible
• Think outside the box
• Provide routine & structure
• Be persistent, don’t give up
• Rely more on visual than audio prompts
44
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Comments & Questions
45
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Contact Information
Nila Benito,
Community Supports &
Public Policy Coordinator 1
[email protected]
Marci K. Delaney
[email protected]
Brenda Clark,
Employment Services
Coordinator 1
[email protected]
Evon Porteus
[email protected]
The Florida Center for Inclusive
Communities University Center for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
1
46
Dianne Webber
[email protected]
Lorraine Jones
[email protected]
Amir Lizarraga
[email protected]
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Archived Webinars
Autism & Employment Learning Community
Series
• Autism 101 - Introduction to Series
•
•
http://tacesoutheast.org/webinars/2011/070611/
Autism 101 - Communication & Support
http://tacesoutheast.org/webinars/2011/072711/
Real Lives, Real Stories
http://tacesoutheast.org/webinars/2011/090711/
47
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Education Credits DUE November 25
CRCC Credit - (1.0)
Approved by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor
Certification (CRCC)
• Participants must score 80% or better on a online Post
Test and submit an online CRCC Request Form via the
MyTACE Portal.
CEU Credit - (0.1)
Approved by the University College at Syracuse University
• Participants must submit an online CEU Request Form via
the MyTACE Portal.
My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
48
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
THANK YOU!
49
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
TACE Center: Region IV
Toll-free: (866) 518-7750 [voice/tty]
Fax: (404) 541-9002
Web: TACEsoutheast.org
My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
Email: [email protected]
50
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer
This presentation was developed by the
TACE Center: Region IV ©2011 with funds from
the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) under the priority of
Technical Assistance and Continuing Education
Projects (TACE) – Grant #H264A080021. However,
the contents of this presentation do not necessarily
represent the policy of the RSA and you should not
assume endorsement by the Federal Government
[34 CFR 75.620 (b)].
51
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2011 All Rights Reserved