Empowering Individuals with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions Through Grant a Gift Vocational Programs

At Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center, we firmly believe in empowering individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions to unlock their full potential. Through our Vocational Programs, in collaboration with community partners, we strive to provide the necessary support for teens and young adults with autism to gain meaningful employment or prepare to start their own businesses. 

"The Vocational Programs at Grant a Gift go beyond simply teaching job-related skills; they are a catalyst for personal growth and societal inclusion,” said Brian Hager, President of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center. “By equipping individuals with autism with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace, we are breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building a more inclusive society where everyone's talents are recognized and valued."

With a range of comprehensive programs designed to teach critical skills, we aim to bridge the gap between individuals with autism and the workforce. Here we will explore the five different foundational programs within our Vocational Program that are necessary to teach critical skills as well as shed light on the impactful work that the Programs team does!

Adaptive & Social Connection

Our Adaptive & Social Connection program caters to teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Through this program, participants engage in weekly sessions that cover a wide range of social skills topics relevant to both personal and work experiences. With the guidance of an assigned caseworker, participants also receive Parent Empowerment Training and access to other family services provided by our Navigation Program. This holistic approach ensures that individuals develop crucial social skills and gain confidence in navigating different social environments.

Career Exploration

In our Career Exploration program, participants are provided with the opportunity to identify potential career paths. The curriculum focuses on exploring various jobs, setting goals, and learning essential skills such as time management and ethical behavior. Participants also gain insights into the importance of mentorship and professional communication. By fostering a sense of direction and purpose, this program equips individuals with the tools they need to pursue their chosen career paths.

WORKS Community (Working on Occupational Readiness, Knowledge, and Skills)

The WORKS Community program focuses on occupational readiness, knowledge, and skills. Participants engage in a range of vocational activities and learn pivotal skills such as resume-building and interviewing techniques. Throughout the program, individuals work at partnered community sites with the support of a job coach. This hands-on experience enables participants to develop job readiness skills and successfully transition into internships and other areas of adulthood.

C.A.N. (Career Access for Neurodiversity)

Our C.A.N. program offers comprehensive career exploration and preparation. Participants receive instruction on resume building, interview preparation (including greetings and body language), and have the opportunity to practice their interview skills with a job coach. Through small group and individual instruction, participants engage in video lessons, comprehension activities, guided practice, and homework assignments. This program ensures that individuals have the necessary tools and support to navigate the job market successfully.

Soft Skills & Job Placements

In our Soft Skills & Job Placements program, participants work closely with their job coaches to further develop essential soft skills. This includes tasks such as learning to request time off or shift changes while being closely monitored at their job placement sites. The presence of on-site support and supervision guarantees the participants' success in their employment endeavors.

Addressing Unemployment Challenges

According to the 2017 National Autism Indicators Report: Transition Into Young Adulthood by Anne Roux of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in Philadelphia, nearly 66 percent of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are unemployed. Grant a Gift's Vocational Program plays a crucial role in combating this unemployment crisis by providing services and resources specifically tailored to young adults on the autism spectrum. By equipping individuals with the necessary vocational skills and supporting their transition into the workforce, we aim to make a significant impact on reducing the unemployment rate among individuals with ASD.

Grant a Gift's Vocational Program is a beacon of hope for individuals with autism, offering them the opportunity to reach their full potential in the workforce. Through our comprehensive programs, including Adaptive & Social Connection, Career Exploration, WORKS Community, C.A.N., and Soft Skills & Job Placements, we empower individuals with the necessary skills and support to thrive in their chosen careers. By bridging the gap between individuals with autism and employment opportunities, we strive to create a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to succeed. 

Vocational Program Referrals Are Now Being Accepted

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our Vocational Programs and with community partners, we ensure teens and adults with autism are provided the support necessary to gain meaningful employment or prepare to start their own businesses. 

Interested? Please reach out to info@grantagift.com for more information and next steps.